As a mental health consumer/survivor, I realize the importance of having a strong support system. Support systems can include a significant other, family members, friends, and even other mental health consumers. Chances for recovery are greatly improved when we are able to lean on a strong support system. Our support system gives us encouragement and understanding. A support system is there for us during times of accomplishment and troublesome times as well. A support system allows us to let someone assist us or take over everyday tasks that we might not be able to do at certain times during our recovery, from simple things such as running an errand or more complex tasks such as managing finances. We hope that our support system understands what we are going through and, just as important, we need to be aware of the commitment our support system is making in being there for us. They fight alongside us in the goal of defeating the disease, helping us to live a more fruitful life as we manage the symptoms of our illness.

It comforts us when we know that our supporters have understanding of what we are going through. This involves understanding not only our symptoms but also our dreams and aspirations we have as individuals. We all want that “American Dream,” just as any other person does. To have the feeling of being needed and respected for who we are, and the contributions that we are able to give to society, give us a sense of being more than mere outcasts. Sometimes we feel that we have a lack of freedom, literally such as when we are hospitalized, as well as at other times, such as when making life choices. Oftentimes we feel like a captive to the medication that we take. Some of us question what it would be like to not take medications at all, especially when we fellow ex-patients who are no longer taking medications. We often feel stressed when, at times, we are forced to depend on government programs hoping that they will keep us afloat. Many of us who are parents struggle with the stress of being able to provide for our family and children, just like other parents who do not suffer from what we generically call a mental illness. The above are just a few of the many situational stressors that we feel impact us on a greater level than those who are not going through recovery. We want to know that our loved ones understand.

Even though at times we may feel overwhelmed by the stressors in our lives, we as consumers/survivors should also have a respect and an admiration for our supporters who see us experiencing them and empathize with us as we continue on our journey toward recovery. Just like we are aware of our own emotional upheavals, we should have an empathetic understanding of the individuals in our support system.

Family mental health counselors and coalitions such as NAMI also support us by bringing our fight into the public array, acting as a rallying cry for better care and up to date recovery techniques. We as consumers need to also take a stance for ourselves and show the appreciation that we have for those who are supporting us.

At times when we have feelings of being controlled by our support system, we may be inclined to disregard their advice. At these times, we just need to be mindful that they are looking out for our best interest and take the advice for what it is, advice of a caring supporter. Our support system suffers alongside us, not in the symptoms themselves, but rather as an emotionally-involved person who sees the pain and obstacles that we deal with and how it affects us. We need to reach to them and show appreciation for their decision to stay with us.

In working in the mental health field as a caseworker, I have seen individuals who have a strong support network consisting of family and close friends. I have also seen individuals whose network consists only of those people who are paid to be there lives, such as doctors, therapists and social workers. Those of us who have a strong network of supporters in our everyday lives need to take time to be thankful and appreciative. As for those of us who may have alienated the individuals who we once leaned upon for support, it is my hope that our doctors, therapists and social workers can help us learn to re-connect with those individuals and help us fill empty spaces with new supporters and help us to re-establish those supports we once had. When we gain a better understanding of how each of us has been affected by this terrible disease, we have a greater chance in recovering from it together.

 

 

Mental Health Support and Information Service – The Support & Information Service is a telephone and email service staffed by experienced mental health nurses 9-5 Monday to Friday with an answering and call-back facility outside hours. You can contact the Support & Information service by calling 01 249 3333, or if you would like to email your query to [email protected] we will endeavour to get back to you within these hours. The purpose of this service is: As a support for current service users who may need low level support, early intervention or general queries. As information service for the general public regarding their own mental health or that of a relative / friend. As an information point on access to mental health services in St Patricks or your local area. As a resource for healthcare professionals requiring information regarding services available in St Patrick’s.

 

Using technology to help battle PTSD

Filed under: mental health support

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Wilton actor speaks out for mental health

Filed under: mental health support

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Officials: Prop. 63 cash used well in Merced County

Filed under: mental health support

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Read more on Merced Sun-Star