Strategies for Supporting Someone Who Suffers from Mental Illness 2023

Mental health difficulties may have severe effects on our lives, but sadly, many of us are unaware of the signals that a loved one requires assistance. If your loved one has exhibited any signs of mental health issues or addiction, it is imperative that you take action and offer them with the help they need.

In this article, we will explain how illnesses such as addiction can lead to mental health problems, as well as the many forms of treatment that can be used to treat them. Without proper treatment, mental illness is difficult to overcome, therefore we must learn what solutions are available and how to assist our loved ones who are battling with these sorts of problems.

Realizing Mental Health Concerns and Addiction

Depression, anxiety, and bipolar illness can have long-lasting negative consequences on an individual’s quality of life.

Depression is typically characterized by feelings of low energy and unhappiness, whereas anxiety can manifest as racing thoughts and physical symptoms such as vertigo or shortness of breath.

Bipolar illness is characterized by alterations in mood, energy, activity levels, and daily functioning.

Certain mental disorders can significantly contribute to substance misuse, with afflicted individuals frequently abusing drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms. However, addiction may increase preexisting mental health problems like sadness and anxiety, creating a deadly cycle that must be handled concurrently.

The quality of life of a person battling with both mental health conditions and addiction may significantly improve, however, with the right treatment plan. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are prominent treatments for mental illness, substance abuse, and co-occurring disorders.

Moreover, art therapy is a strong method for overcoming obstacles such as addiction. By engaging in specialized therapies designed to concurrently address mental health concerns and addiction, individuals have the ability to live much more balanced lives.

Recognizing Mental Health Problems and Addiction

Mental health difficulties and addiction may lie undiagnosed for years, but family members are frequently the first to notice that anything is wrong. Families must be proactive when it comes to assisting a family member who is battling a mental illness or addiction. It is crucial for family members to monitor their loved ones for any changes. Hence, the following are frequent indicators that someone is suffering from a mental health issue:

• Abstinence from routine activities and social engagement
• alterations in their diet or sleeping habits
• Unusual absence of interest and motivation
• Exhibiting unpredictable or risky conduct
• Frequent expressions of anxiety, worthlessness, remorse, and hopelessness

Get Help Early

Despite the fact that the intensity of the usual symptoms may vary based on the scenario, it is crucial to notice them early and get assistance. Yet, the professionals in addiction treatment at Harmony Ridge Recovery Center believe it is crucial to grasp common myths around mental health and substance abuse. Neglecting the underlying causes of mental problems, for instance, by attributing symptoms to sloth or weakness, would not only aggravate the issue, but also greatly impede effective treatment.

Having Contact with Your Loved One

It might be intimidating to initiate a conversation with a loved one about their mental health and addiction. So, it is essential to approach this discussion with empathy and a nonjudgmental mindset. Empathy takes attentive listening in order to completely comprehend what the other person is feeling and experiencing.

A non-judgmental approach, on the other hand, is embracing your loved one’s experiences without presuming or expressing negative judgment about them. Also, providing emotional support, such as conversing with them, understanding how they feel, and providing comfort, as well as practical assistance, such as assisting with daily duties and providing information for treatment and recovery alternatives, is advantageous. All of these strategies are useful for providing support to a loved one during their addiction-related mental health recovery journey.

Seeking Professional Assistance

When it comes to mental health concerns, professional assistance can play a crucial role in facilitating healing. If a loved one is experiencing mental health or addiction challenges, you must ensure that they receive the necessary help. If, despite your efforts, you see a deterioration in your loved one’s mood, difficulties sleeping, changes in eating habits, or any other behavioral concerns, you must seek expert assistance.

The provided help includes therapists that focus largely on applying techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy to address specific challenges and give in-depth conversations. If addiction is the underlying reason of your loved one’s mental health concerns, you may want to seek out rehabilitation programs that can aid in their recovery.

Promoting Healthier Habits

Encourage your loved one to make some lifestyle adjustments if you desire to assist them in overcoming mental health issues. Yet, telling people to change is insufficient; you must lead by example. Perhaps beginning an exercise regimen might be beneficial.

Endorphins, the feel-good hormone, are produced by exercise and will help you and your loved one feel better. In addition, this hormone decreases cortisol levels in the body. It’s simple to understand why developing healthy habits is a smart idea when you consider all of the above and the fact that exercise can distract your loved one from tiny difficulties that might trigger them.

Conclusion

Supporting a loved one with mental health challenges and addiction might be frightening, but it is achievable. Start by engaging them in an open discourse and giving comfort. Inform yourself about the many mental health illnesses that a person may experience, as well as any indicators of substance misuse or addiction. Additionally, urge them to adopt a healthier lifestyle in order to better manage their difficulties.

Ensure that your loved one has access to proper healthcare services; if necessary, consult with a physician about therapy for your loved one. Inquire about support groups and other similar resources that may be useful. Despite the fact that life is not always easy, let’s always be nice and empathetic to those who are struggling.