Mental illness can come in numerous forms such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and even borderline personality disorder just to name a few. The problem with mental disorders is that it is difficult to determine if someone in your family has it, unless you consult a professional. Although some conditions can be remedied with the help of prescription medications, there are other ways for you or help someone survive their mental illness. Here are a few suggestions to try out:
Look for a psychiatrist who has respect and compassion
This is not that easy to do since you will be approaching several health specialists. Getting in touch with a psychiatrist who shows you respect as well as compassion makes it easier for you to deal with your mental problems because he or she will be guiding you every step of the way.
Symptoms can worsen or improve
There are times when the symptoms of the disorder can worsen which can affect everyone in your home, but keep in mind that it too shall pass. If your family knows what you are going through, they will be able to help you deal with the side effects of your medication or the mental issue that you are suffering from. At this point, having someone who understands the effect of your disorder can be assuring.
Follow a treatment plan
If your doctor recommends a treatment plan, make sure that you follow it to the letter. Of course, there are some medications that can trigger side effects, which your doctor should explain to you at the start. If the side effects are manageable, stick to the treatment plan. If you are feeling out of sorts, talk to your doctor to discuss a change in your medications.
Learn to talk about your feelings
It’s not easy to open up to your family or to a friend about your emotions or your problems, but it is necessary especially when you have depression or anxiety issues. Having a support group can have a huge impact to your well-being which is something that you should consider if you have been diagnosed with a mental issue.
Trust your instincts
Dealing with mental disorders can be difficult but learning to pay attention to what your mind and body are telling you, helps you anticipate a panic attack or depressive episode and the like. For example, if you find yourself feeling blue for days, and are starting to miss work and such, you should start reaching out to your support group as they will be able to help you out.
Learn to forgive yourself
Learning how to forgive yourself and your family members should be something that you need to keep in mind when you or someone in your family has an illness. There are times when tempers will flare, and emotions will run high, but learning how to forgive one another can make it easier for all parties involved to deal with the problem.
Self-care is important
Another tip on how you can survive mental illness is to practice self-care. Mental illness can take a toll on your health which is why you should pay attention on its effects on you. If you are feeling stressed out, look for ways to alleviate it such as reading a book, start a new hobby, and so on. When you help yourself, you will be able to keep your mental illness at bay.
Mental illness may not be cured completely, but there are ways in which you can keep control as much as possible using the steps mentioned above. Seek help as much as possible as dealing with mental problems can be difficult to do on your own.
