supporting people you love who suffer mental illness

frangipanis · Sep 10, 2008, 07:13 PM

yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day:
http://www.iasp.info/wspd/pdf/2008_w...er_english.pdf

I have been really impressed by the level of support and care offered to people here on AMHD in relation to mental health issues, so when I came across this website this morning, I thought I would pass it on as it seems to contain some valuable insights and resources others might also appreciate. I also noticed it has been endorsed by people well respected in the mental health field. (apologies in advance if it isn't considered appropriate to include this, as it could be thought of as advertising the purchase of a book)
DepressionCarer.com

Also, for anyone who might find this helpful, here is a link to the MoodGYM online training program that has won a number of awards for making cognitive therapy more accessible to the public, especially for younger people. Access to MoodGYM is free.
MoodGYM: Welcome

Given the prevalence of mental illness and likelihood we will either suffer from depression ourselves at least at one stage in our lives or are likely know of someone close to us who does, I consider it to be something we could all benefit from knowing more about.

I might mention here that my 17 year old niece and my partner's 18 year old daughter have both been recently hospitalised for serious (suicidal) depression and are still receiving treatment. As my partner and I have supported people we have loved who suffered from serious mental illness (not just these two girls), talking comfortably about depression and suicidality as well as being reasonably well informed on mental health issues in general has been kind of essential. Still, I know there's a lot more to be learnt.

If anyone who supports a loved one who suffers mental illness would like to share their insights here, I would very much appreciate knowing what you have to say. I would especially like to have better insight as to how to recognise the early signs of depression and how to help prevent it escalating into something more serious.

frangipanis · Sep 19, 2008, 04:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggie 3

Here are some thoughts on how to help love ones with mental illness and tribulations.
We are all creators of our own being.Our thoughts create our lives,what we believe in
and have faith in, it will come to pass in our life. Our conscious mind thinks all the time
we are awake. Some good some bad and some time we fear things and take it too far by thinking about it so much the fear or other feelings are taken to far by thinking about it so much the fear takes over. At this time people can get out of control with their
thinking and feelings. They have created a world of fear and doubt and do not know
how to get out of it. This is why they need help from people that love and care about them. First understand the power of our words and thoughts that create our world.
Start helping the person by talking and thinking only on funny, good, positive, harmonious, loving, successful thoughts.
Words that are positive are healing to our body and mind and that is what we all want
and we bless us as well as others. I chose to think positive, good, loving thoughts
and am a better person for it, I was a very fearfull with desperation not knowing what way to turn. This worked for me and I have helped many by showing how I survive.
I also went on long walks that did so much good. Show lots of good funny movies.
Anytime a bad or fearfull thought comes in your, or friends mind change it to a good
thought Start saying positive affirmations, I am Healty, Strong, Powerful, Loving,
Harmonious, successful and happy . Each of these are powerful words are full of hope please think on each word and what it means and it will start a healing process . say
this many times a day or every time a bad thought comes to mind, you will become a
new person. May peace, love and health rule your days and nights.
Maggie 3

This is a beautiful affirmation on how our thoughts create the world we live in and make it a better place for others.... thank you

StraightTalk · Sep 23, 2008, 08:26 PM

You might want to take a look at this post

I hope it helps.

frangipanis · Sep 28, 2008, 06:10 PM

Insightful and motivating. Thanks.

Although we need to be challenged and experience hard times to learn from adversity and be strengthened by it, I agree with you wholeheartedly that part of the key to promoting and maintaining a sense of emotional wellbeing is knowing how to set realistic and obtainable goals along the way. It's what gives us a sense of balance and grounding as we take on necessary challenges, in my opinion.

Knowing how to calculate risks and handle disappointments are valuable life skills.

frangipanis · Sep 30, 2008, 03:19 PM

Thought I'd share this:
http://depressioncarer.com/mydownloa...urceReport.pdf

Includes resource listings for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and US.

Maggie 3 · Sep 30, 2008, 06:48 PM

Thanks for the info. I agree with your post on sept 27. There are a lot of things that can
bring on depression, stress, over eating, lack of exercise and some medicine. Some
times it is very hard when meds bring on depression. I was having a need for
an acid controller and after taking it I had depression from taking it. It takes a little
time to find what is causing the problem. Our state of mind and our whole being can get
off balance. We have all come across things that help others and as we share and
try to help others it can be the most help to us.Through having my mental stress
and panic attack I have became a more loving and caring person. As bad as it was,
and it was a hell, I am thankfull for what I have become and learned. I have learnd
the more we do for others the happier we will be. Self is taken care of as you care
for other. Blessing
Maggie 3