Throughout the world, mental health issues plague millions of individuals each year. They do not discriminate, and they often wreak havoc on the lives they are able to infiltrate. When you have a friend who struggles with anxiety, depression, or other diagnosed mental health disorder, you might be wondering how to help them without becoming a burden or nuisance. There are several things that you can do for the person you care about. Learn About Mental IllnessOne way to begin having a better understanding of your friend's current mental state or diagnosed condition is to spend time learning about mental illness, misconceptions, symptoms, treatments, and statistics relevant to individual disorders or ailments. For example, there are several triggers of depression that have nothing to do with being sad or lazy. Understanding the causes of mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or another diagnosed disorder, such as PTSD, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality disorder, can help you to learn more about how your friend feels and experiences the world on a daily basis. Don't Diagnose ThemAfter you've done some reading about mental health, it can be tempting to try to diagnose your friend based on your observations of them. Resist that urge. Mental health issues are highly complex and require detailed evaluations and elimination of other possibilities by a trained professional. However, while it is important to respect your friend's privacy as well as the mental issues they are struggling with, it is also important to provide healthy tools and resources when they are warranted and welcomed by your friend. Listen to ThemWhen discussing your friend's current mental state, their feelings, and the mental health issues they are struggling with, be an active listener at all times. Rather than simply waiting for your friend to finish what they are saying so that you can interject, offer advice, or provide resources, truly spend time learning how to become a better active listener. When your friend feels as if they are genuinely being listened to and heard, they are more likely to remain open and honest with you about their struggles, even if their struggles become dangerous or potentially life-threatening. Rather than sharing your own experiences, moods, and even your own mental health issues or struggles as your friend is expressing themselves, be sure to remain as an active listener. Instead of sharing your experiences and taking away from your friend's moment to share their true thoughts and feelings, empathize with your friend, and continue to ask questions about their own personal mental health issues and the disorders they are struggling to overcome each day. Active listening is key to maintaining an open relationship with any friend, especially one who is currently struggling mentally and emotionally. Don't Be OverbearingAvoid being overbearing when discussing mental health issues and disorders with your friends, especially if they have asked you not to bring up specific topics or subjects. Rather than provoking your friend by discussing issues that are difficult for them, simply inform them that you will be available when they are ready to discuss anything that is troubling them in their lives. Ask if You Can HelpOnce you have assured your friend that you are willing to be understanding and supportive of them, ask them directly if there is anything you can do to help. Avoid being pushy or persistent, and simply inform them that they do not need to answer you immediately, but that you are available to help them anytime they feel that they are in need. Remain Understanding of Limitations and Lifestyle ChangesUnderstand that mental illness significantly impacts lifestyle, and it can cause your friend to feel sad, depressed, lonely, despondent, and even anti-social or isolated and alone. It is important to note that these changes are typically linked with brain chemistry changes and should not be taken personally or as a slight against you as their friend. Familiarizing yourself with the mental illness or mental health struggle that your friend is battling can help you to better understand their habits, lifestyle changes, and any behaviors that may otherwise be atypical or out of the ordinary for them. Know Your Own Personal LimitsIn life, people tend to strive to help those they love, including both blood relatives and friends they have met throughout their journey. However, it is important to understand your own personal limits when it comes to assisting your friend with their issues or going too far and neglecting yourself and your own life. If a friend is unwilling to work on seeking help or is unable to do so on their own, it is important to provide insight, opinions, and resources whenever they are welcomed and when your friend is opening to listening. It is also important to never neglect yourself and your own needs as well as your everyday responsibilities. In order for you to truly be able to provide the love, care, and support necessary for your friend, you must first ensure that your own daily life is in proper order. Here’s another article you might like: Making a Difference: Why Finding the Right Schizophrenia Treatment Plan Matters
0 Comments
Here are five common resolutions transformed into small, healthful changes that can become part of your life — for good.
How are this year's resolutions doing? Chances are, you may have fallen off the resolution wagon, especially if you were overly ambitious. Fear not — it’s never too late to make small, sustainable changes in your lifestyle that result in big health improvements. Review your hardest-to-keep resolutions and adapt them into goals you can easily maintain. Here are five common resolutions transformed into small, healthful changes that can become part of your life — for good. 1. Your resolution: Exercise one hour every day Realistic goal: Add movement every day in 5- to 10-minute increments. Take a short walk around the office, stroll outside during the lunch hour or after dinner, jump on that exercise bike in the basement for a spin each morning or dance to music while you’re getting dinner ready. Sticking to a short period of movement a few times a day is a great way to boost energy and start building the exercise habit. While most of us find it hard to commit to big chunks of time, it’s tough to say no to 5 or 10 minutes. Arrange to walk with a friend if that helps keep you on track. 2. Your resolution: Drink eight glasses of water every day Realistic goal: Increase water consumption by one glass at a time — when you first wake up, or before lunch and dinner. Drinking water before meals helps you feel full and aids digestion. If water doesn't entice you, make it easier for yourself by finding a water bottle that’s easy to carry around. Add a splash of lemon or lime for flavor. Once you’re in the habit of drinking water before one meal, it will be easier to add a glass before other meals as well. 3. Your resolution: Cut out all sugar Realistic goal: Find healthy alternatives to reduce your sugar cravings. Try Monk Fruit In the Raw, a zero-calorie sweetener made from the vine-ripened monk fruit, which is native to Southeast Asia. This certified vegan, naturally gluten-free product is available in packets and a Bakers Bag and adds light sweetness to foods. Add it to your favorite baking recipes, smoothies or add a sweet touch to unsweetened beverages. 4. Your resolution: Cut out all snacking Realistic goal: Find healthy, easy-to-prep snacks to stave off cravings for junk food, and to prevent you from overeating at mealtime. Small handfuls of nuts, raw veggies and fruits are obvious choices. Limit your snacks to 2-3 times per day. If your sweet tooth is your downfall, use a natural sweetener to sprinkle or drizzle on berries, or add a spoonful to your tea or coffee. 5. Your resolution: Stick to a specific diet Realistic goal: Examine the diet you’re trying, whether it’s keto or paleo or something else, to identify the most important elements, and don’t go cold turkey. The keto diet is mostly about cutting carbs and sugars, plus highly processed sugar-free diet foods. The paleo diet also emphasizes proteins, cutting all dairy and sugar. Because both of these trending diets recommend eliminating both sugar and any artificial sugar substitutes, a sweetener such as Monk Fruit In The Raw is a great alternative. Cutting all carbs or dairy can be too challenging for most people — try reducing the “forbidden items” gradually to wean yourself from your usual eating habits. Don't give up on those resolutions, even if you’ve slipped a little already. Adjusting your expectations will help you adapt more healthful habits you can stick with for a long, healthy life. And that’s a resolution worth keeping. Nutty Grain-Free Granola and Yogurt Parfaits 4 Servings | Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes Ingredients:
Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In large bowl combine Brazil nuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, almond meal, flax seeds, chia seeds, egg whites, coconut oil and monk fruit. Mix until thoroughly combined. Spread mixture on baking sheet. Bake 45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. To serve, divide a few blackberries among 4 parfait glasses. Top with a spoonful of yogurt and 2 tablespoons of granola. Repeat layering once more, finishing with granola on top. Store leftover granola in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 month. (BPT)
KEYWORDS
![]()
|
Archives
January 2021
Interested in Publishing on Living Well IDEAS?
Send your query to the Publisher today!
Categories
All
|