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Coping for Families - Points to Remember

Original Source: The Organization for Bipolar Affective Disorders (Canada)


THINGS TO CONSIDER:

  • No one is to blame and you cannot cure a mental disorder for a family member.
  • Despite medication compliance, episodes may occur. It may take some time to find the right medications and dosages. Additionally, the symptoms of the disorder may change over time requiring medication adjustments.
  • Despite your efforts, the symptoms may get worse.
  • Separate the person from the disorder. Love the person, hate the disorder and separate the medication side effects from the disorder/person.
  • It is NOT okay for you to neglect your needs. Take care of yourself, ensuring you have a rich and fulfilling life. Do not shoulder the whole responsibility for your family member. You may have to assess your emotional commitment.
  • There is nothing to be ashamed of if someone in your family has a neurological chemical brain disorder.
  • It is natural to experience many strong emotions such as denial, grief, guilt, fear, anger, sadness, hurt, and confusion. Healing occurs with acceptance and understanding. Allow your affected family member and other family members to go through their grieving processes at their own pace. This is also true for you.
  • You may have to re-evaluate your expectations. Your family member's successes may be experienced differently from others. However, recognizing that a person has limited capabilities should not mean that you should expect nothing of them. It is important to set boundaries and set clear limits.
  • Do not be afraid to ask if your family member is contemplating suicide. Remember that suicide attempts are a cry for help. Often the individual is trying to escape from the consequences of the disorder, and they feel hopeless. Their thinking and judgment at this time may be impaired: they may not understand that they are seeing the world through the symptoms of their disorder. Do not put up a barrier to open communication.
  • Remember that irritability and unusual behavior can be a symptom of the disorder: do not take it personally.
  • Forgive yourself and others sense of humor.
  • Allow your family member the dignity to make his or her own choices: do not patronize, but encourage.

 


 

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