The Sure Word for Today's quotation for the week:
God Is My Stronghold.
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Mental Illness. How Can I Help? — Part 4.
Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.
1 Peter 3:8 (KJV).
The list of problems you will experience when caring for someone with mental illness is enormous. Caring for someone with mental illness is complex. Due to the invisibility of the illness, you might feel like you're not a 'real' carer. Trust me: you are. And you’re making a massive difference in someone’s life.
If you don't do many physical caring tasks, you may not see yourself as a carer. And this is where the danger is because you are exposed without safeguarding your mental state.
There are lots of ways you might support someone. For example, if you undertake the following task, then you are a carer:
- offer emotional support
- support them in challenging times
- help them to cope with day-to-day tasks
- encourage and support them to seek help
- advocate for them
- make phone calls for them
- encourage them to feel confident in making decisions
- be there for them during treatment.
You may feel frustrated that you can't make someone feel better or as if you're not enough to make them happy. Like physical health conditions, mental health problems can affect anyone. No one can prevent someone else from having a mental health difficulty. You’re probably helping a lot more than you think. If you haven't suffered a mental health problem, it can be challenging to understand what it's like. Read and learn more about mental illness so you can give the proper care and support.
As a carer for someone with mental illness, it is essential you look after yourself. Learn how to manage your own well-being while caring for someone else. Get information and tips on looking after your mental health and finding support. Supporting someone else can affect your mental health and make it harder to stay well. Although you may genuinely want to care for them, you may also find it difficult and upsetting. If you feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek professional help and support.
When caring for someone else with mental illness, you might experience challenges and complicated feelings such as stress, worry, anxiety, isolation, loneliness, and less time for yourself or even depression. Look after yourself. There is only one of you.
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All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of the HOLY BIBLE unless otherwise indicated.
‘The Sure Word for Today’ is a publication of ‘The Sure Foundation Transcend Ministries,’ registered in the United Kingdom.
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