Supporting someone with a mental illness

‘1 in 4 people experience mental health problems’ NHS

Whether you are a family member, friend or carer supporting someone with a mental illness can be challenging at times. You would know how to take care of a loved one with a cold, but it can be scary caring for them if they have a mental illness. The first question you ask yourself would be, what can I do to help? Firstly, you do not need to be a mental health expert to provide support for your loved ones. Your encouragement and love will be vital in their journey to recovery.

Educate yourself about the illness

Understanding what the condition is and the symptoms and triggers can help you better understand how you can help. It is vital to read from sources that provide facts, figures and advice and not sites that provide unsupported myths and lies. Work closely with your loved one’s healthcare team. If you have any questions on how best to help them, they are the best people to ask.

Support from family and friends is key

Ask them how they are feeling and listen to their answers. Building a safe and trusted space in which you both can speak openly and honestly is key when providing emotional support. Make sure they are not emotionally overwhelmed, don’t force a conversation if they are not ready to speak. Be patient, they may open up to you later and say how they are feeling.

Encourage activity

Physical activity is important so whether your loved one usually does or doesn’t take part, encourage them! Being active helps improve your mood and can help with some of the side effects of the medication. Activity can range from going for a walk, swimming or even carrying the shopping. If they cannot leave the house, then get them to help with the cleaning, organising, and even doing some home exercises. Help your loved one remain independent in as many ways they can to ensure their life is as less disrupted as it can be.

Take care of yourself

Don’t forget to make sure you are looking after yourself. Make sure you talk about how you are feeling to those who are supporting you. You need to stay healthy, so you can care for your loved one. They may even be able to help care and share the load.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

We understand the bravery it takes to seek help for Mental Health Care and support, whether you require support for stress and anxiety, drug or alcohol-related problems, or more complex mental health issues such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia we have the expertise to help. Cavendish Homecare supports your loved one from hospital to home. An instant cure and rehabilitation do not occur when they leave the hospital. Our nurses are there to support the transition and make it as easy as possible.

Speak to one of our specialist mental health nurse consultants on 020 3008 5210 or drop them an email at info@cavendishhomecare.com