Stephanie Brown
Stephanie Brown
EP: 22 - Supporting a loved one with a mental health issue
EP: 22 - Supporting a loved one with a mental health issue
EP: 22 - Supporting a loved one with a mental health issue
Monday 7th December 2020
Stephanie Brown shares practical tips for supporting loved ones with mental health struggles, emphasizing compassion, listening, and creating safe environments.
17 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Compassionate
Hopeful
Encouraging
About this podcast
Author:
Stephanie Brown
Overview:
Categories:
Mindful Recovery
Body & Mind
Financial Health in Recovery
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Healing Relationships
Links:
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Episodes:
42 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Supporting a Loved One Through Mental Health Struggles: Practical Tips and Resources
Try to stay away from using you should or you will statements. Avoid saying things like be strong for like for your child or for your parent or for your spouse. That puts a lot of pressure on the person that's dealing with this mental health issue.
When someone you care about is battling mental health issues, it can feel like you're walking a tightrope, unsure of how to help without overstepping. In this episode of 'Recovery State of Mind', Stephanie Brown dives into this delicate topic, offering practical advice and resources for those wanting to support their loved ones effectively. Stephanie starts by identifying common signs of mental illness, such as ongoing anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings.
She stresses the importance of responding with compassion rather than judgment, avoiding phrases like 'you should' or 'you will' that can feel dismissive. One of her key pieces of advice is to slow down the conversation. Instead of rushing to fill the silence, she suggests acknowledging that you might not know what to say and simply asking your loved one how they're feeling. Sometimes, just being there and listening can make a world of difference.
Stephanie also highlights the importance of arranging professional help when needed. This could mean reaching out to support networks, using resources like the NAMI Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or finding local doctors and support groups. Creating a safe environment is another crucial step. Offering a place to stay or ensuring your loved one knows they have a secure space to retreat to can provide much-needed comfort.
Throughout the episode, Stephanie emphasizes the power of respect and understanding in helping someone navigate their mental health journey. Her insights are not just theoretical; they're grounded in empathy and real-world experience. Tune in to gain valuable knowledge that could make a significant difference in the life of someone you care about.