There might be several members of your family that you can talk to. Some families have “family meetings” to go over problems or big decisions. Talking to an older family member can be good because they may have had a similar problem or concern in the past.
by Ross Trowbridge.
My name is Ross Trowbridge. I have Borderline Personality Disorder and I am not ashamed. First off, I want to preface my article by saying that I once was. I have an emotional intensity disorder that causes instability in moods, impulsive decisions, inability to maintain interpersonal relationships, and more. But I haven’t always had this diagnosis.
Sometimes when you help a friend, you might forget to look after yourself. It’s important to take care of your own needs while you’re helping out your friend. Make sure that you don’t give up things that you enjoy, and if you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, take some time out to relax.
If you’re concerned that your friend isn’t behaving normally, it’s important to encourage them to talk to someone trustworthy like a doctor. If you think they are likely to hurt themselves or someone else, find help immediately – even if they don’t want you to.
For those who have a mental health issue, there might be periods of time when things aren’t manageable. Harder times can be triggered if your friend is stressed, or if he or she has recently experienced a traumatic event or changed medication, which can trigger the characteristics of the mental illness.
Having the contact numbers of people like your friend’s doctor could be important if you need to help your friend through a crisis, or if your friend is saying or doing things that worry you about his or her safety.
There might be times when your friend says that he or she isn’t able to hang out because of their illness. It’s important that you respect this and don’t put extra pressure on your friend.
Make sure that the conversations you have about your friend’s illness are easy and open. Try asking about what helps your friend get through the tough times. By talking openly, you’re letting your friend know that you love and support them.
If you have a friend who suffers from mental health difficulties, be aware of the stigma associated with this and keep an open mind. This might help create a safe environment for your friend, which can allow him or her to relax and enjoy life.
Someone who is experiencing mental health difficulties is usually able to live a successful full life, particularly if they are receiving help to manage the illness. They might feel embarrassed or like an outcast, but there are things you can do to help make them feel more comfortable.