Around 44 million people in the United States have some mental disorder each year. It can be difficult for family members and loved ones to know what to do or how to help best.
At all three locations of Apex Medical Centers, our providers are trained to offer mental health care, and we are happy to guide loved ones who wish to support our patients. Whether your loved one needs psychological or psychiatric treatment, we can help and provide options.
Here, we discuss some of the issues that family, friends, and others who care about a person dealing with a mental health problem often share.
You may find yourself denying warning signs or wishing your loved one wasn’t going through these problems because you’re concerned about what other people might think.
You may wonder why your loved one is experiencing mental illness or if there was anything that could have prevented it.
All of these feelings are common, though they may be uncomfortable. Accept them, then work to learn about the mental health problem your loved one is dealing with. Share what you learn with other members of your family.
Establishing a network of people who can support you is essential, too. You may not feel comfortable talking to friends or other family members, or the person with the mental health issue may not want you to. In that case, seeking a support group of other people in similar situations could be helpful.
You may also want to consider therapy or counseling for yourself. Even if you aren’t struggling with a mental illness yourself, therapy can help you cope and may help you better understand what your loved one is going through.
You want to help your loved one but may need help with the right approach. Depending on your relationship, a few different things may be applicable. For example, if you're the parent of a person with a mental health issue, you may need to adjust your expectations for them.
If you're the partner of a person diagnosed with a mental illness, you may find yourself handling more of the household management tasks or other responsibilities. It's important to remember that most people with mental illness do get better, so the situation likely isn't permanent.
Regardless of your relationship, clear and honest communication is crucial. By communicating honestly and directly, everyone knows where they stand and what is expected.
If you have specific questions related to your situation, we encourage you to make an appointment at Apex Medical's most convenient location. We are happy to help and provide answers whenever possible.
