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Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians will have a mental illness at some time in their life?. It could be you, or someone close to you, that will be diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorder, or some other mental illness. In fact, you probably now know someone who has a mental illness.
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Did you know that 1 in 5 Canadians will have a mental illness at some time in their life?
It could be you, or someone close to you, that will be diagnosed with depression, anxiety disorder, or some other mental illness. In fact, you probably now know someone who has a mental illness.
Family, close friends, and loved ones play a key role in caring for and supporting people with a mental illness. But, it can be difficult to know how to best help that person because we fear that we may do more harm than good.
While there are many issues to consider when managing different kinds of mental illness, the following slides offer general suggestions on how family and friends can help.
Become Informed Learn as much as you can about the illness and its treatment options. Understand how the person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviour are affected. This will help you play an effective and active role in helping them manage their illness.
Become Informed To learn about the illness, contact theCanadian Mental Health Association W-EC office for brochures, pamphlets, list of recommended books and websites, and local support groups. 519-255-7440 or http://www.cmha-wecb.on.ca/ Also, visit the websites listed at the end of this slide presentation.
Show You Care Listen to their concerns and ask what they want you to do to help. Be sympathetic but do not assume that you know what they are going through. Tell them often that you love them and you want to help them feel better.
Be Patient Being diagnosed with a mental illness is often very traumatic. Denial is a common response by the person with the illness as well as by family members or close friends.
Be Patient Do not push too hard in convincing the person to do something before they are ready. Gently encourage them to seek professional help. Understand that acceptance of the illness is a processthat will take some time.
Create a Stable Home Environment Try to reduce stress around the home as much as possible. Encourage your loved one or friend to have a daily routine so they know what to expect each day.
Offer to Help with Practical Things Offer to help with everyday things, like grocery shopping, gardening, or doing the laundry. This may help reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, especially those who are living with depression.
Restore Normal Activities Gently encourage fun activities that the person used to enjoy, like taking holidays, celebrating special events, and having dinner with friends. However, do not force these activities and events on the person if they are not ready.
Learn What to do in an Emergency Have a plan in case you need emergency help for that person. Although the risks are small, you should plan in case they start talking about death or suicide, or may become harmful to you or others. Know who to call and where to take them for immediate medical attention.
Windsor-Essex Distress Centre Phone or in-person emergency counselling is available 24 hours a day. 519 - 973 - 4435 In-person services can be accessed by going to the Emergency Room at Hotel-Dieu Hospital.
Take Care of Yourself When supporting your family member or friend, make sure you do not neglect your own mental health. If you do neglect it, you may become more irritable, short-tempered, and resentful. This could also have a negative impact on the person you are trying to help.
Reach Out for Support Create a support system for yourself by considering the following: • Share responsibilities with other family members or friends • Spend time with friends • Join a support group for families and friends, either in your community or online.
Find Time for Yourself You should always try to do something everyday that is relaxing, fun, or pleasurable. Try to: • Get out of the house on a regular basis • Take walks or go to the gym • See a movie or have dinner with friends.
Treat Yourself Well For more suggestions on ways to take care of yourself, visit the websites listed at the end of this slide presentation.
Be Hopeful Remember, almost all mental illnesses are treatable but it will take some time to find the best treatment combination. Stay optimistic – progress is made in small steps!
Website Resources BC Partners for Mental Health and Addictions Information. (n.d.). Mental disorders: What family and friends can do to help. Retrieved May 3, 2006, from http://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/publications/factsheets/families.shtml Mood Disorders Society of Canada. (n.d.). Support for families. Retrieved May 4, 2006, from http://www.mooddisorderscanada.ca/family/index.htm
Other Resources Latest HealthIssues newsletter Keep Health In Mind Latest brochure Understanding Anxiety and Depression Other electronic presentation How to Get Mentally Fit
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit 360 Fairview Ave. West, Suite 215 Essex, Ontario N8M 3G4 519-258-2146 x 3100 www.wechealthunit.org Windsor Office 1005 Ouellette Avenue, Windsor, Ontario N9A 4J8 Leamington Office 215 Talbot Street East, Leamington, Ontario N8H 3X5
