Mental Illness in a Loved One
May 11th, 2010 | by admin |When someone you know (and love!) is diagnosed with a mental illness, it can be a scary time.
A good way to start learning about how to deal is to start learning everything you can about the illness. Read about it on the internet, buy a book, or join a support group.
Another good tool can be meeting with an expert–a therapist. Gabriele Hilberg, who offers counseling in Palo Alto has taught workshops throughout the world on mental illness. Consulting with a professional, such as her, can provide you with specific insight into the illness, and how it may affect your life. Here are some other things to keep in mind:
*Despite your best efforts, your loved one’s symptoms may get worse, or they may improve.
*If you feel extreme resentment, you are giving too much.
*You should request the diagnosis and its implications from professionals.
*Unusual behaviors are symptoms of the disorder. Don’t take them personally.
*If you are unable to care for yourself, you can’t take care of another.