see therapists or have conversations about what’s affecting us. The reality is, if we want to get better, we have to open up and talk about “it.”—Whatever it is. Therapists offer a safe space to have unfiltered conversations about our past and present and work with us to create healthy thoughts and actions for the future.
3. Give Them Control and Be Patient
Often times, while battling mental illness, people feel like they’ve lost control over themselves. They begin to remove themselves from social settings and everyday activities. Conversely, because we know they’re not well we sometimes try to take over living FOR them. In both cases, it’s important that we encourage them to have control and make decisions, and be there for them if they’re not able to do something on their own. It’s a process and one that’s different from person to person. Patience is key.
4. Help Yourself
Caring for a loved one, in any capacity, can weigh on you. Be sure to replenish yourself through rest, relaxation, and reflection. Think of your loved one as a plant and yourself as a full glass of water. Every time you pour out to water them, you lose water in your glass. We want to keep watering them so they can grow, but we also have to make sure our glass stays full so we can pour out. Without rest, relaxation, and reflection our glass goes empty—and no one benefits from that
5. Offer Spiritual Support
I’m a firm believer that prayer works! Pray for and cover your loved ones. What we see happening physically is a reflection of what’s happening spiritually. We can fight the physical battle with therapy and loving support, but we can only fight the spiritual battle through prayer.
Bryana Holcomb is the Editor of BlackDoctor.org and graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies, an MBA in Management Strategy, and Life Coaching and Nutrition certifications. Connect with Bryana on Instagram, @BryDelicia.