Let’s be honest - caring for a loved one who suffers from a mental illness is a difficult and emotional journey - one that is tragic to some extent. We may feel overwhelmed, powerless, and confused about how to support someone we care about who suffers from such an illness. After all, it’s complicated to find the right attitude since the person’s behavior can become pretty volatile.
And look - navigating the healthcare system, managing medicines and appointments, and dealing with the long-term repercussions of the condition can be rough. Even more so, if you are in a country where healthcare is expensive or a place where mental health is not treated seriously.
Our heart is with the caregivers - we understand the emotional toll it can have on them. It can be both physically and emotionally taxing, and at times it seems that there is no end in sight. But look - you’re not alone on this path. It’s possible to navigate the challenges of caring for a loved one that struggles, without putting your well-being at risk.
One idea always stands - as a caregiver, you have to take care of yourself as well!
We get it - sometimes we are so involved that we forget to take care of ourselves - especially if our loved one needs a big portion of our attention. But, just as a plant needs water and sunlight to thrive, caregivers require self-care to prosper. And hey - self-care is not selfish. It’s an essential component of being an effective caretaker. When you’re exhausted or burnt out, you cannot be there for your loved one.
I love to think about self-care as the oxygen mask on an airplane. In the event of an emergency, flight attendants tell us to put on our oxygen masks first before aiding others. The reason for this is that if we do not take care of ourselves first - we will be unable to serve others. This applies to caregivers too. You won’t be able to care for your loved one if you don’t practice self-care first. Go for a walk, take a nice bath, or read a book. Some “me time”, and self-care are always welcomed. Furthermore, you should speak with other caregivers who can relate to your situation - maybe you’ll get some great advice.
Self-care takes numerous forms - so it’s best to figure out what works for your well-being. Remember that you can’t pour from an empty cup - so make sure your energy never dries out, and if it does, take your time and fill it up.
There are practical steps you can take if you are a caregiver.
Caring for a loved one who suffers from a mental illness is a daunting process - but some practical ideas can make the journey a little easier.
One of the most essential things you can do is to educate yourself on healthcare and, mental illness. Knowing the diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment choices for your loved one will help you feel more equipped and ready to navigate the healthcare system and provide the best possible assistance.
Let’s say for example that a person was diagnosed with bipolar illness. What should you do in this situation? Research the issue by reading books and articles on the matter. Also, attending support groups might be a great idea to learn from other people’s experiences and see how they manage their well-being. And to top it off - discussing with mental health specialists is always the way to go. Now, you will be able to understand the experiences of your loved one and determine how to provide the best support. And this applies to every mental illness out there.
More so, communication is always crucial! You need to speak openly about how you’re feeling and what you require from each other. Discuss how to approach every day and provide encouragement and support every step of the way! It matters a lot to know that ideas are exchanged and nobody keeps everything in itself like a teapot on a stove.
Furthermore, set boundaries between yourself and your loved one. You are not capable of doing everything, that’s for sure! Sometimes it’s ok to ask for a second hand. If it gets too much at the time - reach out to a therapist. If you communicate correctly it won’t be a problem for your loved one. But as I said before, it’s important to set expectations of what you’re capable of doing beforehand.
Caring for a loved one with mental illness is a journey that demands empathy, understanding, and compassion but most of all - sacrifice. It’s an opportunity to be there for someone and make a meaningful difference in their lives. So if you’re doing anything like this, you own our respect. But remember - you can offer this support while also taking care of yourself!
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