A Vital Role The role of companion, family member or caregiver has taken on more importance than ever as physicians and treatment specialists attempt to assist millions throughout the world learn to effectively manage the symptoms of troublesome brain disorders. It is becoming evident that those afflicted with mood disorders stand a much greater probability of treatment success and lasting recovery when they have ongoing support they can rely on. Studies show that people with these illnesses tend to have milder symptoms, fewer episodes and recover more quickly when they have the active support of others. Those playing an ongoing supportive part in a loved one’s treatment process are proving to serve a vital role in his or her recovery. Being an effective companion to someone with a mood disorder can be an extremely large challenge for someone to undertake. It’s not unusual for the stress of taking on such an endeavor to result in personal and family strife and interpersonal discord never before experienced straining relationships, emotions, friendships, finances and general peace of mind. Fortunately, many companions, family members and caregivers pick up the knowledge of how best to help a person with an unmanaged mood disorder by acquiring the skills and tools necessary for treating and managing these illnesses. Here is a process that many of them follow: Successful caregivers always begin by learning everything they can about their loved one’s illness. They read about it, visit libraries, watch videos, search the Internet’s quality websites, attend lectures, join in family support groups offered by DBSA, NAMI and others, and become thoroughly acquainted with the illness, its symptoms and available treatment. They encourage their loved one to get and maintain professional help and stick with a treatment plan that helps him or her manage their symptoms. They are good listeners, ask how to help, provide assistance that’s appropriate, and help their loved one avoid isolation. They are genuinely understanding and compassionate, and provide a loved one with the trust and confidence of being someone who can be relied on during challenging situations, difficult and disappointing setbacks and when confronted with all too prevalent unexpected emergencies. They hold to the necessary and helpful habit of practicing patience, realizing that the process of recovery takes time with no “quick fixes” or “permanent cures” on the mood disorder horizon, only “moderate to totally managed symptoms.” “Moderate to totally managed symptoms“ … certainly not a bad goal to aim for and to achieve, whether it’s a brain disorder or some other kind of illness. surfcitypress.org/
Posted on: Thu, 26 Sep 2013 20:52:44 +0000
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