Things to Do for a Loved One in a Mental Hospital

Photo cred: articles.philly.com

     The LORD laid on my heart to really minister to people on what to do for their loved one that may be in a mental facility. Since my diagnosis I have been hospitalized four times, and there are some things that I wish were done for me; likewise there were some things that were done that were very effective during my time in the facility that I'd like to share both. If you are a loved one of someone that has been hospitalized for the first time, it can be a  very critical and difficult time for you and your loved one. How you communicate and what you say is very important to the person who is hospitalized. Sometimes the conversation can be uneasy depending on the temperament of your loved one; your loved one may feel uneasy, agitated or scared that they are being hospitalized. But today I am going to give you some tips on what to do for your loved one in a mental hospital.

1.Visit them and bring them food.  I know from experience that seeing my loved ones made my day and especially when they brought me food! The food at the hospital is not the best so it may help to ask your loved one what is their favorite foods, beverages and snacks and bring them to them during visiting hours. When you're in a mental hospital access to the vending machine is not available to the patients, so bringing those snacks in during visitation hours means a ton. Food has always been a way of comfort and will help make the stay more manageable, plus it gives your loved one something to look forward to. 

2. Hug them tightly. I know this sounds simple but hug your loved one so tight that it feels like you're hugging their anxiety, fears, worries, pain, shame, and their illness away. Your hug will bring comfort to your loved one and soothe them mentally and emotionally. It signals that you are there for them and you have their back. 

3. Hold their hand, look them in the eyes and tell them that you love them and are there for them. Holding my loved ones hands while we were sitting at the table during visitation hours just brought warmth to my soul. I felt connected with my family and felt the anxiety from being away from them being lifted. In knowing this, hold your loved one hand and tell them you love them, praying for them and are there for them.

4.  Bring them books, prayer books and a bible to read. Resources to read are very limited in a mental hospital so bringing them a bible and highlight some scriptures for them to read. It is beneficial to their growth and healing. You can suggest your loved one to declare the scriptures over their lives during the stay or you can speak those scriptures over their life and pray for them during the visit.

5, Call and answer their calls. I really didn't socialize much in the mental hospital. I was ready to go home and be with my family. Whenever my family called, no matter what mood I was in, I look forward to their calls. It meant a ton when they would answer my calls and it would feel so good to hear their voices. I recall a particular time I was angry with a loved one but when I came to my normal self that it felt good that they cared about me to check and see about me. I know it may be difficult because you may not be sure how your loved one will respond but call them anyway. It will mean more to them than you'll ever know

Bonus

6.What should you do when your loved one is released? I'm not sure if the mental hospital allows flowers to be given to them but you can always call and see but when they come home give them flowers or a gift bag with their favorite products. I would also suggest cleaning up their room. That is something my mother always did, and I feel like it helped her cope while I was away but it meant a ton to me to come home to a clean room. My mother also gave me a teddy bear that had "angel of peace" written on it and she gave it to me while in the hospital. I still have it til this very day sitting on my altar and it made me feel like God was with me and his angels were watching over me. It's amazing that something so little, was so significant at the same time. I suggest cooking a nice dinner and inviting closed loved ones over if your loved one feels up to company. Further, my loved ones would come visit me after I got out the hospital and check on me; I am so grateful for their acts of kindness and support!

I pray this blogpost is helpful to you and that you would consider taking these tips into consideration for your loved one whether it be their first time or "x" time in the hospital. Be encouraged. God is with your loved one in the mental hospital, pray a hedge of protection over them and meditate on Psalm 91 and Joshua 1:9.

Love,

Sheree B

Me at a Women's Prayer Breakfast Saturday, July 30th, 2016! It was powerful! Photo cred: Amelia Allen