loved one Archives - Tammie's Take~

How to Help a Loved One in Need

Reviews · October 4, 2019

Think about those in your life who are important to you in some way. They could be your friends, family members, your partner, or your colleagues. Now consider that at any given time, any of them could be struggling with some sort of mental health issue.

In fact, 1 in 5 people are living with a mental health condition that can sometimes or often cause disruption in their daily lives. It’s also common for those who struggle with a mental health disorder to simultaneously have problems with substance use, or have co-occurring disorders like sex addiction or a gambling addiction.

You may have seen signs of them struggling, or they may have reached out to you directly in order to get advice or help, but perhaps you weren’t sure how to help them or where to start.

While they will most likely need to seek professional help from a doctor, psychologist, rehabilitation facility, or a sex addiction therapist like Sex Addiction Houston in order to heal properly and move on, you can still be there for them on their healing journey and offer your support.

Here are the best ways you can help a friend or loved one in need~

Stay calm

One of the most important things to remember is to remain calm. It can be troubling to recognize that someone close to you needs help, and it can be overwhelming to help them through it, but your stability will be a guiding light for them.

If they’re panicking and aren’t sure where to turn, you need to be calm and reassuring rather than panicked as well, since that will only make matters worse. Consider how they’re feeling, what they could be thinking, and what you’re feeling and thinking. It may help to write them down in order to better understand and take a step back before acting.

Educate yourself

You don’t need to become an expert, because there’s too much to know and learn when it comes to mental health and addiction issues, but it is good to know the signs and symptoms that your loved one is experiencing. Also, knowing more about the condition they’re struggling with can help you be more empathetic and offer better help.

Listen to them

Often, having a shoulder to cry on and an ear to talk to can make a huge difference. You can be there for your friend or loved one by truly listening to them and caring about their experience. Try your best not to compare them to another person’s experience, including your own, but rather actively listen and be present if they need someone to talk to.

Be supportive, but set boundaries

One of the best ways to be helpful is to ask the person how you can help, or what they need right now. You want to try your best to be supportive, so asking them how you can do that gives them the strength and empowers them to take control over their recovery.

However, it’s also important to set some boundaries. Offering to help someone in need shows you’re a caring person, and often those that care end up neglecting themselves in the process.

Practicing self-care is crucial because if you aren’t taken care of, it’s much more difficult to help someone else. You can be there for your loved one, but remember to take care of yourself too.

Advice For Helping A Loved One In Need

Reviews · January 21, 2019

It could be anything from an illness to financial troubles to having an elderly parent, and there may come a time when a loved one requires your help. These types of situations aren’t always easy to handle and can be a challenge for all parties involved.

Use the following advice for guidance on how you can best support and be there for a loved one in need. Remember to take care of yourself throughout the process so you don’t become overwhelmed or stressed out and end up taking on the other person’s problems. Keep in mind that you’re there as a helping hand and to listen and propose a recommended plan of action for moving forward.

Educate Yourself

Your first step in being able to help a loved one in need is to educate yourself about what’s going on with them. For instance, if the person is addicted to pain medication or heroin, then you’ll want to take the time to learn about this addiction and treatment options. Have a conversation with your loved one and try to get to the bottom of what they’re dealing with before jumping to any conclusions.

Offer Your Time & Attention

One of the best ways to help a loved one in need is to simply be there for them. Offer your time and attention and listen carefully to what they’re willing to share with you. All they may need and want in the moment is to know someone else cares and is there for them. Let them know you’re a source of support and ask them what you can be doing that’s going to help them get to a better place.

Brainstorm Solutions

You can also help a loved one in need by taking the time to brainstorm solutions as to how to best deal with what they’re going through. Open up the dialogue so that you’re both involved in the process of figuring out how to proceed and you aren’t simply preaching your opinion at them. Ask for their input and make a list of pros and cons for the ideas you each come up with.

Establish Boundaries

What you don’t want to happen is that you end up consuming yourself with your loved one’s troubles or dilemma. It’s important to be there for them but you also want to establish boundaries in the relationship early on. You have other obligations and responsibilities to attend to and might not have the time to always be by their side. Maintain your self-care routine and avoid letting yourself get swept up in the problem and neglecting yourself in the process.

Remain Patient

You’ll want to commit to staying patient both with yourself, your loved one and the situation in your case. Helping a loved one in need may be a bigger job than you originally planned for and there may not be a quick fix. Accept that some days might be better than others so try not to take the ups and downs personally.

The Dos & Don’ts Of Caring For A Loved One

Reviews · May 9, 2018

If you have an elderly relative who is going to require some extra care and support during the next few years, now is the best time to educate yourself on the methods and strategies that work best. The last thing you want is for your loved one to become depressed or struggle to manage their daily activities. So, it is vital that you’re around to help out wherever possible and ensure that person can maintain their independence. The dos and don’ts listed on this page are an excellent starting point for your research. Use the information from this article to ensure you make the right decisions when the time comes.

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The does of caring for a loved one

Do ask your relative how you can help

Communication is vital when assisting an older adult who needs support with various tasks around the house to ensure they stay safe. Always make sure to sit down and have a conversation with the person and ask them how they want you to help. That way, you make sure your relative feels in control and never gets annoyed.

Do make time to chat with your loved one

The worst thing you can do is relate all conversations to how you can support your loved one. Instead, you should ensure you ask them about their day or the things they watched on TV the night before. Try to create a level of normality as much as possible.

Do recommend social activities

Your elderly relative will struggle to maintain happiness if they spend all their time sitting watching the television. So, conduct some research and recommend some social activities. Maybe there is a local church group or something similar?

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The don’ts of caring for a loved one

Don’t take full control over everything Always ensure your elderly relative remains in control of the care and support you provide. Do not take the reins and manage every aspect of their lives because they might begin to feel suffocated.

Don’t be afraid to arrange respite care

Experts claim respite care is essential for those who help to look after an elderly relative. After a few months, you are going to feel tired and worn out. So, there is no harm in taking some time out and asking professionals to take over.

Don’t run yourself into the ground If you’re moody or tired, there is a reasonable chance you will struggle to provide the care and support your loved one requires. So, remember to think about your health and ensure you don’t miss meals or anything like that.

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You now know all the dos and don’ts of caring for a loved one during their twilight years. In some instances, people will have to pay for residential care when their elderly relative loses their independence. However, you can usually help anyone to remain in their homes if you ask about their requirements and ensure you support them in completing their daily tasks and activities. There is always more to learn, but at least you now know about some of the most critical basics.