Know Anybody Going through Mental Conditions?

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Sometimes – dealing with a friend or family member who is going through depression or other mental conditions, can be overwhelming or frustrating for you. Radio 103.9 staffer Ghost returns for Wellness Wednesday, with an excerpt from his blog: ElrecoRamon.com, in which he talks about his struggles with mental illness and depression.  Here are his tips on what you can do , when dealing with those you love who may be  going through these same struggles:

1. Hug – (This is probably the best thing to do. A hug means something so special to the heart, body, mind, and soul. Just hug that individual and hold them. That’s all they truly need from you. That’s more important than anything. “Anything”!)

2. “I love you” – (This actually may be even more important than a hug. Or you could just do both(smile). Saying I love you speaks high volume to the heart, body, mind, and soul also. The person that going through whatever the mental condition is just needs to hear that and that only most of the time.

3. Listen – (You don’t have to say anything. Nothing. Nothing, nothing, nothing. Many times the individual coping with the mental condition just wants you to listen to them expressing themselves. Your insertion of thoughts and feelings are irrelevant and most times not useful. Just listen to what the individual is saying and hold them and express that you love them no matter what.

4. Feel free to ask if they need your help – (They may say no or they may not. Be willing to honor the privacy and wishes of the individual who’s going through whatever condition and battle. Many people going through things like depression, anxiety, depersonalization, or suicidal thoughts are frightened of meds and doctors for very valid reasons. These conditions can actually be fought without those things depending on the individual. You being there to listen and just say “I love you” and hold them may get them through most of what they are going through.)

5. Be willing to attend appointments with them – (That’s explanatory within itself. You being right by that person’s side holding their hand and saying it’s going to be ok is just enough. The simplest things mean the world to people who are coping with mental conditions.)

6. No pushiness – Don’t force the individual to get up and go do things. Nothing wrong with expressing your there for support and to be a heart to lean on. Nothing wrong with saying, “hey I can go outside and walk with you if you’d like”. Just keep it short and simple. The individual will let you know what they need and want you to do.

Read the entire blog entry here.