First, I want to thank all those who read My Story:Living With a Mental Illness. I am blown away by all the positive feedback, support, encouragement and messages I received on Facebook and Instagram. That blog post received over 350 hits; that may not seem like a lot to some but for a topic that is rarely talked about it means a ton for those who are affected by mental illness to read as well as those who are not. So for the past week the Lord laid on my heart to share with my readers on how to support someone with a mental illness. I know that without Christ and my amazing support system I would not be here today. Jesus alone and my support system brings more meaning to my life. So today, I'm going to give you some tips on how you can support someone with a mental illness!
1.Show them unconditional love. 1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV "Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things." The scripture tells us that love bears, hopes, believes and endure all things. I want to express how unconditional love has helped me from close family members and friends. In a world where everyone wants to be understood, loved and accepted, my support system has been that for me. It is vital to a person's healing process that they receive unconditional love from those in their corner. They need to know that during this journey of living with a mental illness that there is someone who will stand on the Word of God declaring and living it. Someone who will see their darkest moments and journey with them and support and love them.
2. Don't judge them. Someone with a mental illness may say, think or do irrational things and they need someone to pray and help them work through their thoughts. Some people may need help from a friend or family member to help them see that things are not as bad as they seem or to encourage them after experiences of abnormal behavior that they are normal people. I remember when I got out of the hospital, my therapist told my parents to treat me normal and take me different places and to let me return back to school when I adjust to my meds. My close friends and family did not throw up in my face about my abnormal behaviors. If I offended them, they forgave, prayed and loved me. The person with a mental illness needs to be affirmed in times of despair and hopelessness.
3. Laugh with them. Did you know laughing lessens depression? I am so thankful I have a few relatives and friends that I can laugh with nonstop. With my close relatives, we even made an inside joke that when I display abnormal behavior, my name is "Sheila" and not Sheree. lol P.S. Only certain relatives and my best friend can joke with me like that...that joke isn't for everyone. :) But I make jokes with my close family members about my behavior during times of episodes. Laughing has brought my life healing in so many areas. If you're too sensitive to joke about your past, then don't. As a friend or relative be sure to check with that person comfort level in joking around; you always wan to be sensitive to them and their emotions. I encourage you to laugh about other things in life and to encourage the person with the mental illness to join you to go see a comedy movie or watch something funny on tv.
4. Talk with them about their feelings. This point means so much to me. I've learned not to suppress my emotions anymore. My communication skills on how I feel is more verbally expressed now. I share with my family members and friends my emotions on any topic. If I'm sad or angry or depressed, I communicate that with them. My support team encourages me to be totally honest with my feelings even if it will make them want to judge me because of my thoughts. I'm so glad my support system is open and honest with me as well. They let me know if I need to gain better control of my emotions. Just because you have a mental illness doesn't make you not responsible for your emotions and how you handle them. With guidance and therapy, you can be taught proper ways on how to better handle your feelings. As a support try to do more listening than talking. Sometimes the person with the mental illness just want to know that there is someone willing to hear them out.
5. Offer emotional support, encouragement and patience. Always offer words of hope to your loved one. Be patient in their moods, thoughts and behavior. Always encourage them during their times of depression that it will not always be like this and trouble doesn't last always. Give them scriptures to stand on and not be harsh with them. Ask God to grace you with patience during your loved one's healing process.
6. Never dismiss their talks about suicide. Report to their doctor and therapist about your loved one thoughts of suicide. Sit with the doctor and therapist to learn ways how to prevent a suicide.
7. Encourage outings. Go for walks, to the park, to the beach, movies, bowling, arcade, etc., find out what interests your loved one and be the one who engages to take the person out to enjoy themselves. Invite them to church events as well.
8. Join them in doctor or therapy appointments. Talking with your loved one therapist and doctor will better help you understand their illness. The support would mean a ton to the person who is suffering with the mental illness; it shows that you truly care and willing to support by any means necessary.
9. PRAY! There is nothing like when two or more coming together in agreement in JESUS name. Therefore we know God is in the midst and He is willing to move on your behalf even the more. I strongly suggest getting a strong prayer warrior who can pray for you and your loved one. Pray for their deliverance, pray for healing in their mind and body. Pray that your loved one will be set free from anything that comes to disturb your loved one's thought process.
Be encouraged my friends. You are not alone! We're in this thing together until Christ returns back!
GOD cares ridiculously about you!
xoxo Sheree B
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| late pic, me at my friend's Shirah Wedding April 2016 |
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