~ By Missy Larson, CTP, Masters Level Therapist

When someone is struggling with their mental health, the impact stretches beyond the individual to their loved ones. Loved ones can see their relationships, employment, and financial situation affected by their loved one's illness. Loved ones may experience various emotions, including sadness, fear, guilt, grief, resentment, fatigue, and anxiety for the future. Taking care of your mental health and well-being will allow you to support your loved one to the best of your ability.

Tip #1: Ask for help. Consider who you could ask for help. Sometimes, our loved ones fear being alone, or we fear leaving them alone. Respite time away from your loved one while being in the care of someone else will allow you to decompress.

Tip #2: Consider lifting the stigma. Mental health, unfortunately, still comes with a stigma, and many people keep their experiences private, which can increase isolation. With your loved one's permission, consider sharing what you are going through with some carefully chosen people. Many people who choose to share what they are going through are often surprised to hear similar stories and receive empathetic support from others. Organizations like NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) offer free support groups for family members.

Tip #3: Take care of your physical health. Now is the time to ensure adequate exercise, sleep, and nutrition. While alcohol and drugs may seem like a brief respite, they can make the impact of stress worse. Take your loved one outside and walk; it will benefit both of you. If you have concerns, speak to your physician.

Tip #4: Have patience. Treatment for mental illness takes time, and sometimes, it feels like progress is two steps forward, one step back. Educating yourself about your loved one's illness and expected timelines for recovery will help you understand what your loved one is going through and provide hope.

Tip #5: Educate yourself. Learn about your loved one's illness. Learn to recognize the symptoms of their illness and warning signs that things could be worsening. Have the number for local crisis lines (988 in Colorado) programmed into your phone and that of your loved one.

Tip #6: Recognize symptoms of stress in yourself. Signs the stress may be getting the best of you include problems sleeping, muscle tension, pain, digestion issues, fatigue, and headaches. If self-care is not helping, consult your physician.

Tip #7: Introduce mindfulness and relaxation. Meditation, deep breathing, and relaxation exercises reduce stress and regulate your body. If you don't know where to start, YouTube has many guided relaxation exercises available. Taking a bath, journaling, watching a funny movie, or calling a friend and talking about other things can all be helpful.

Tip #8: Talk to a professional. Talking to a therapist or clergy member will give you the caring support you need and deserve. I offer a free phone consultation if you are looking for support.

Supporting a loved one through mental illness can be challenging for the entire family and support system. Flight attendants say it best: "Always put your own oxygen mask first before assisting someone else." Caring for your loved one is caring for yourself.