How to Support a Troubled Family Member

 

Most people face life challenges at some point, whether this is due to a mental health condition, substance abuse, or a traumatic experience. Supporting a troubled family member is never easy and it is normal to feel a wide range of emotions including fear, frustration, anger and helplessness. It is important to be there for your loved one and available to support them through any challenges they may face. With this in mind, here are some useful tips on how to support a troubled family member. 

Communicate openly 

If you are worried that a family member is troubled or experiencing difficulties in their life, then you should speak with them to discuss your concerns. Make sure you maintain a non-judgmental approach and encourage them to speak honestly and openly. Remember that family and friends can provide an extremely valuable source of support when a person is feeling down or troubled. For that reason, you should always check in on your family members and speak with them if they experience a stressful life event, or if you notice any changes in their personality or behavior. 

Learn about mental illness

A mental health condition is often the underlying reason for a person becoming troubled. Unfortunately, mental illness is fairly common and almost half of adults will experience a mental health condition at some point in their life according to research by Mental Health First Aid USA. People can suffer from many different mental health illnesses including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, personality disorders, and eating disorders. Mental health conditions are often complex and the symptoms can vary and evolve suddenly. Learning about mental health disorders will help you better understand your family member’s condition and emphasize with their situation and feelings. You can find lots of useful information on mental health and how to support a loved one by visiting websites and forums online. 

Offer continuous support 

There may be times when you find it extremely difficult to support a troubled family member i.e. if they become aggressive or distance themselves from you. However, you must try to support your loved one as much as possible. Remember that your family member may be acting out of character due to an underlying mental illness or another stressful experience. Luckily, there are many ways that you can support a troubled family member. For instance, bail bonds daytona can be used to assist a loved one who has been incarcerated. You should always be there for a troubled family member and take any action within your power to support them through life challenges. 

Encourage them to seek help

If your family member is displaying concerning behavior then you must always encourage them to seek professional help, especially if they are experiencing the symptoms of mental illness. Fortunately, there are many places where your family members can receive specialist support to overcome difficulties. This includes their GP, online support groups, rehabilitation centers, and mental health clinics. Offering to attend appointments or sessions with a loved one can be a great way to encourage them to seek professional support.

What Next?

Recent Articles