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RECOGNIZING AND LESSENING RELAPSES

People with mental illness are affected by the same kind of stress as everyone else. The way they react to stress, however, is a bit different. For some, stress can bring on a relapse of the illness.

Not eating right, lack of sleep or worries about day to day problems can cause stress. While you can’t make a person’s life stress-free, you can lessen the effects of stress. Provide lots of opportunities for your family member to live a healthy life style. Encourage them to eat healthy, balanced meals, exercise regularly, avoid drugs and alcohol and get enough sleep. Provide an opportunity for them to maintain a regular routine. Even using these strategies won’t prevent a relapse, so it’s important to be aware of the beginning signs of a relapse. Early intervention can help speed recovery.

Warning signs of a relapse:

  • Distinct changes in behavior such as changes in eating or sleeping patterns, personality changes.
  • Difficulty in carrying out everyday activities.
  • Changes in how your family member communicates with others.
  • Behaviors that are similar to previous relapses.
  • Extreme changes in emotions that are not caused by outside events.

If you suspect your family member is having a relapse, you should:

  • Notify his doctor or therapist. Ask for an evaluation or increase/change in his medication
  • See if you can do anything to lessen stress that may be coming from outside sources.
  • Encourage your family member to stay involved in any therapy or self help programs.
  • Work to keep the home environment as calm, secure and predictable as possible.
  • Try to talk to your relative about your concerns. Talk with them about things they can do to prevent further relapse.

Be prepared:

  • Have a crisis plan ready for yourself.
  • Keep emergency phone numbers (doctor, therapist, police, hospital, etc.) in a convenient place.
  • Know what your limits are and how you will react if those limits are broken. Make sure your relative knows what these limits are and how you will respond if those limits are broken.

Keeping Yourself Well

Caring for a family member with an illness can be a challenge. The person who provides most of the care is often the last one to get his or her own needs met. But the act of selflessness can have the opposite effect of what’s intended. If you don’t keep yourself well, you are less able to care for your ill family member. There are things you can do to keep yourself healthy.

Taking care of your own health should always be a priority. Eat right, get plenty of rest, exercise regularly and avoid alcohol and drugs not prescribed by your doctor.

Don’t feel like you have to do it all. The physical demands of caring for someone with an illness can leave little time for you or other family members. Contact your Community Mental Health Center and ask about respite programs available. Keep a strong network of friends. Talk with others who are experiencing similar problems through your Alliance for the Mentally Ill, support groups or church/synagogue network. They can help you.

Make time to do something for yourself. Visit friends, enroll in an adult education class or take up a hobby. Even going to work can provide a break from the demands of caring for a family member with an illness.

Friends are important. When you spend all of your time caring for a family member, friends may drift away. Don’t let this happen. Keep in touch with your friends. They can provide emotional support and an opportunity to just have fun, which can be a wonderful stress reliever.

Don’t let yourself be consumed by guilt and other negative feelings. Your relative’s illness is not your fault. Being angry and resentful doesn’t solve anything and can contribute to stress related problems. If you have difficulty working out these feelings, look to a support group. You may want to consider counseling for yourself.

Avoid unnecessary stress. There are many techniques you can use to keep stress from getting the best of you. Learn to plan ahead. Keep an extra supply of medication for your family member available in case you run out at a time when you can’t get to a pharmacy. Have a crisis plan in place.

Always remember - You have courage and strength. Rely on these when times get tough.

 
 
 
 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
         

The information and content provided on the CHN site are offered for informational purposes only and should not be treated as medical, psychiatric, psychological or behavioral health care advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or behavioral health condition.

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