What to do and not when a loved one is having a mental health episode. Here are a few tips (below) based on my direct experience and education on this topic.
DO’S
- THE TRUTH- The feelings you’re loved one(s) are going through are real even if it doesn’t match the truth on the ground
- EMPATHIZE- You may not except their reality but understand the pain they are going through
- I- Try to speak with the I not the word (below)
- SPACE- Give you and them space.
- VENT- Allow them to vent
- YOURSELF- If the oven is only getting you burnt go take care of your own mental health by going to a cooler spot
- REALIZE- This is an illness and your loved one is suffering. Try then not to take it personally.
- BOUNDARIES- Quietly and calmly set your boundaries and hold on to them
DON’T
- CALM DOWN- These two words will only get you burnt.
- DOWNPLAY- It truly doesn’t work. For in their mind this is everything to them.
- YOU- Try to hide that word from your mouth
- BATTLE- Trust me it’s not worth losing the war
- SOLVE- You can’t solve their emotional current so don’t get stuck in the storm
FOOTNOTE- Now to follow my own advise.