What do you do when someone you love has a mental illness?

Try to show patience and caring and try not to be judgmental of their thoughts and actions. Listen; don’t disregard or challenge the person’s feelings. Encourage them to talk with a mental health care provider or with their primary care provider if that would be more comfortable for them.

Does mental illness affect relationships?

Mental illness can affect many aspects of life, including intimate relationships. Some individuals may experience hesitancy or fear of disclosure to their partner due to the continued stigma surrounding mental illness. Communication is key to having a healthy, positive relationship despite mental health struggles.

Should I tell my boyfriend about my mental illness?

There’s no rule on when you have to tell someone you’re struggling with your mental health. That’s regardless of whether you’ve been together for a couple of weeks or a couple of years.

How do I know if my loved one has a mental illness?

To learn more about symptoms that are specific to a particular mental illness, search under Mental Health Information .The following are signs that your loved one may want to speak to a medical or mental health professional. It is especially important to pay attention to sudden changes in thoughts and behaviors.

What should you not say to someone with a mental illness?

Mental illness is related to chemical imbalances, neurological issues, family history or even traumatic experiences. #2 Don’t say: “You should try harder to get better.” Having a mental illness does not mean that your lazy or that you lack discipline or perseverance. People are doing their best to get through each day.

Are you prepared to cope with your loved one’s mental illness?

Most families are not prepared to cope with learning their loved one has a mental illness. It can be physically and emotionally trying, and can make us feel vulnerable to the opinions and judgments of others. If you think you or someone you know may have a mental or emotional problem, it is important to remember there is hope and help.

Are You in denial about your mental illness?

Many people in denial about their mental illness are influenced by stigma. They want to believe they’re too good and that mental illness is a character flaw. They want to believe that if they just had enough faith, God would heal them. They want to believe they can just snap out of it by thinking positive thoughts.