Skip to main content

3 Tips to Empower You and Your Loved One, Part II

  Two weeks ago, I started this conversation. I provided three tips to strengthen and empower you and your loved one: 1) Give options and practice shared decision-making, 2) Focus on strengths, and 3) Keep the trust. Although brain disorders may persist there are early warning signs prior to an episode and crisis. Be mindful of these triggers and warning signs that way you can reduce the likelihood of hospitalization by seeing help early on.

    Now, I’ll provide three ways to keep from getting to crisis mode and prolong the process of a breakdown. My three tips:

1. Don’t overlook the early warning signs.

2. Don’t avoid the conversation, strive to address symptoms and concerns.

3. Don’t jeopardize the trust.

    First, early warning signs may be subtle. Here are a few early warning signs that your loved one may exhibit, but are not limited to the following: poor sleeping patterns, severe mood swings or irritability, poor hygiene, isolating, and hyper-religious behavior. These are just some of many warning signs. If you see your loved demonstrating some of these signs take notes so that you may discuss it with them and their doctor before the it escalates.

    Second, do not shy away from important conversations. Have these conversations when your loved one seems more receptive to discussion. Here are some ice breakers to start the conversation. “You look stressed out. Have you been sleeping alright?’ or “I’ve noticed some changes in you, you seem to be upset more often…” or “I’ve noticed a change in you. You’re not communicating the same as before and you seem to distance yourself from everybody.” 

   However, a more direct conversation might look like “have you been taking your medication because I noticed that you have been...,” or “do you need a break, you look stressed, and I don’t want you to go through a difficult time. In fact, I noticed this about you… I brought this up because I care about your.” Or “do you need me to schedule an appointment with your doctor? You are not acting like yourself, and I’m concerned about you. I love you very much and don’t want to see you have a breakdown” 

    It is important to have clear communication. These conversations are vital. There may be a few, however, if you have these conversations PRIOR to the blow up or crisis it will better justify your need for emergency attention. Opposed to calling 911 in the midst of crisis and then having a strain on the relationship as a result. Explain your reasoning for treatment with your loved one when they are open to your perspective on self-care, symptoms, and treatment and solutions. 

    Finally, don’t jeopardize the trust. For example, don’t validate the delusions and hallucinations. You are an important reference for clarity. Keep your position and help your loved one get through difficult times.

    Lastly, sometimes a crisis is unavoidable. However, if you recognize the early warning signs and address them in the beginning to seek treatment you could help reduce chances of crisis. Yet, you might have to contact emergency personnel, police, or get your loved one the hospital, but taking action early on will help you both.


Let me know your thoughts about this conversation. 


Ashley and Her Mother, Tina

I showed this picture of my mother who was my caregiver. We didn't have these important conversations like so many families, but the signs were there. I exhibited all of the warning signs discussed in this article at one time or another prior to my breakdown. My experience is a lesson I hope you take heed. Continue to read about my journey to help yourself and your loved one.

This month marks the ninth year of my mother's passing due to breast cancer. My mother was a strong woman. She showed me how to be strong despite the beast of my invisible illness. My mother kept hope alive for my recovery. She will always be my superwoman. RIP, T.Q.


Comments

We can build our mental health by using these ways -
Establish your sense of self, personal values, and your place in the world
Understanding our life’s purpose
Find meaning and develop a set of personal ethics
Understanding our thoughts, and behaviors.
Ashley Smith said…
California Medicals, thank you for this. Best regards, Ashley

Popular posts from this blog

No, Please, That's Not Me

Prior to my diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia I did some things that I am not proud of. Now that I look back on things I blame my illness for my poor judgment. I am by no means condoning the behavior I carried out, and will share with you here. I will provide a few instances where my behavior was unlike me and caused an uproar. This post shows how schizophrenia affects other people. This post is for the family members and friends of people with schizophrenia, or showing bizarre behaviors. First, I asked my mother permission to give my friend a statue that was in my mother's house. My mother agreed to give my friend the statue, however, I took her permission a step further to get rid of what she had at my discretion. At the time I did not live with my mother who was away on a business trip. My mother buys and sells things so she had a lot of collectibles, antiques, and other interesting stuff. While my friend and me were in my mother's house my friend saw a lot of stuff that s

What Is Remission?

Remission is the absence of symptoms for at least six months with the support of medication. In other words, a doctor who has never seen you before may not diagnose you as a person with schizophrenia anymore. Remission is also high functioning in several aspects of life, living independently, goinig to school or to work, and socializing with other people. However, this does not mean the patient is cured or the illness has went away, the illness is still present, however, under control. Remission is achieved with the assistance of medication. "Published studies suggest that 10% to 20% of people with schizophrenia have remission of their illness as they get older, 20% get worse, but in a large majority (60% to 70%), the course of illness remains relatively unchanged." To reach remission it is recommended that you aim for a stress-free environment. Therefore, do things to relieve stress such as journaling, exercising, talking to friends, listening to or creating music, making a

by A Guest Blogger: For Addicts, Recovery Means Creating a New Life

If you’re struggling to maintain your sobriety, you aren’t alone. There are millions of fighters just like you working toward reclaiming their lives from drugs and alcohol. There are a few common traits that many successful recovering addicts share. Keep reading to find out what they are and how you can follow in their footsteps. They establish new patterns You can’t continue to live your life the same was you did when you were using. You must change and adapt to your newfound sobriety. Consider a career change; many recovering addicts find they have more success by starting their own business. One career that is easy to enter is dog walking. As a dog walker , you’ll reap many rewards including getting to spend time with dogs, which can actually boost your recovery efforts and stave off depression. Dogs have been used as part of a treatment plan for users as young as 11 and come with the added benefit of helping you stay physically active. Plus, being with