If someone you love is struggling with mental illness, you can feel a lot of pressure to support them—but might feel lost as to how. While professional help is key in securing positive outcomes for your loved one, a support system that extends beyond that care is crucial too. As a trusted provider of psychiatric treatment in Colorado Springs, we have crafted this guide to help you support your friends, partners, and family members in a positive way.
Be an Emotional and Physical Presence in Their Life
Sometimes the most important thing is just being there. This means being present both physically and emotionally. Accompanying them to appointments is a great way to show support, while daily or weekly phone call check-ins can give your loved one a sense of your presence even if you don’t live close by. Sometimes daily tasks like cooking and cleaning can be overwhelming for those with conditions like bipolar disorder or PTSD, so showing up to assist with those tasks where possible can be extremely significant. Remember to be patient; recovery takes time. Offering your support shows you care and that they are not alone, which can facilitate better treatment outcomes.
Encourage Consistency in Treatment
One of the most crucial ways to assist in a loved one’s psychiatric treatment in Colorado Springs is by encouraging consistency in their treatment plan. Regularly attending sessions, whether in-person or virtually, and adhering to prescribed medication schedules is imperative. Gently remind your loved one of their therapy appointments and medication times. Offer to help them set up a daily or weekly planner that includes their appointments, medication times, and enjoyable, relaxing activities to promote balance.
Educate Yourself
Understanding their specific challenges, whether it's ADHD, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or PTSD, allows you to provide empathetic support. Explore resources that explain common mental health challenges to deepen your understanding. Familiarize yourself with how medication management can aid recovery. By educating yourself, you're not only preparing to be a better support system but also helping to diminish stigma and foster a more understanding community for anyone seeking psychiatric treatment in Colorado Springs.
Assess for Risks
If you’re worried your loved one may harm themselves or others, you must reach out to a crisis hotline or crisis medical center. Stay vigilant and take note of social withdrawal, changes in weight, or extreme personality changes. These can signal a growing problem that could indicate or lead to self-harm.
Help Communicate with Care Providers
Here’s how you can help your friend, partner, or family member make the most of their treatment:
- Encourage Open Dialogue: Motivate your loved one to communicate openly with their healthcare team about any symptoms, challenges, or concerns.
- Attend Appointments: If they're comfortable, accompany them to appointments. Your presence can provide emotional support and help in remembering the provider’s advice.
- Prepare Questions: Offer to help them list questions beforehand about their medication management, therapy sessions, side effects, or anything else they want to discuss with their provider.
- Respect Privacy: Always ensure your loved one's privacy and consent are prioritized when discussing their treatment.
- Provide Compassionate Feedback: Remind and congratulate them on their progress and encourage them to keep making strides in the future.
Looking for the Right Psychiatric Treatment in Colorado Springs?
Choosing Larson Mental Health as your mental health partner means choosing a compassionate and knowledgeable team. With our focused medication management and supporting therapy, we are committed to walking this path with you and your loved one.
Ready to learn more? Contact Larson Mental Health today and make a positive change.