How To Care For Family Members Or Relatives Who Have Mental Health Problems or Have Some Kind Of Psychosocial Disability

Sometimes we are faced with a very challenging issue that may not be looked on favourably by our communities and societies. Mental health problems or psychosocial disabilities are some of the more complicated issues that our growing population and societies are now facing. Families are now faced with these challenging problems that may afflict a family member or a close relative.

Having a family member with a mental health issue or psychosocial disability is challenging. Dealing with the issue depends on the kind of mental health issue that the family member is facing. Parents, carers and other people who are tasked to help the patient needs some understanding and help as well in caring for these individuals. Reading, research and study of the matter is necessary to have a wider understanding of the mental health issue that their family member has.

The ability to listen to the family member afflicted with the mental health problem is a very important part of the caring process. Listening to non-verbal as well as verbal cues from the patient is very important for the family members and carers for them to know what to do. Listening to what they have to say and what they feel will also help them voice out things that they may be keeping to themselves and feel that they need help with.

Observing and keeping up with the activities of the family member with the health issue should also be a good source of adjusting the caring strategies that you employ in the caring process. By observation, you will be able to see what makes them happy, sad, joyful, excited, disturbed or confident. If you are able to see what makes the patient tick or feel down, you will be able to make adjustments to routines and rituals you may have at home as you care for them.

If they have medication, make sure that they take them on time and in the right dosage. These medications are given to them by their doctors for various issues like managing their mental processes and regulate the chemical imbalance in their brains if they were diagnosed with such. It is important for them to take these medications, otherwise, it could endanger their health or may cause seizures, paralysis or even death, if the medications are not taken when necessary. 

If they need to see the doctor, offer to be there with them on their consultation. Having someone else to listen to what the doctor has to say is also very good for their well being. It will show them your support and your willingness to understand their condition. It will also show them that you are willing to learn how you can do a better job at caring for them. 

Let them know that you are always there for them and that you love and care for them no matter what. The simple things of preparing a meal for them, chatting with them about things that they need help with, or counselling them with matters that they are struggling with can go a long way in their journey through life. It will definitely be something that they would love to do with you as they go about each day.

Attempt to teach them a new skill that they can use in life. This includes teaching them to cook a particular recipe that they love to eat. Or, doing simple chores that help them care for the home if they are staying here. It may take some time for them to perfect these things but be more patient with them. Remind them if they forget to do the task, provide feedback about their work and try not to raise your voice too much when talking to them. 

Do not be too controlling and let them make decisions on their own but carefully advise and explain to them why there are things that they should not do and cannot do. People with psychosocial disability may easily feel hurt, like other sensitive individuals. However, by careful explanation of your comments, suggestions and advice, they may be able to understand the reasons why it is important for them to adhere to what their doctors tell them and why you may not approve of some of their decisions. 

Caring for a family member who may be having problems with mental health and psychosocial disability is indeed a challenge. But with patience, perseverance and determination to help and make them assimilate in this ever-changing society will go a long way in helping them care for themselves and make them become productive members of our communities. 

Have a lovely day or night.