How to Help a Loved One Suffering from a Mental or Substance Use Disorder
How to Help a Loved One Suffering from a Mental or Substance Use Disorder
It is heartbreaking to watch a loved one suffer from a mental disorder, substance use disorder, or both. If your loved one needs help, there are a few things that you can do to provide them with the support they need. Below is more information about how to help a loved one, and what to do if they decide to refuse your help.
How Can I Help a Loved One?
Helping a loved one requires kindness, compassion, and empathy. While everyone is different and has different needs, below are a few general tips for helping your loved one that is suffering from a mental and/or substance use disorder and needs support…
Listen
One of the best things you can do for your loved one is to simply listen. A lot of people with mental health and substance use disorders feel unheard and alone. Instead of speaking at them, speak with them. Be there to listen and provide emotional support. They will be much more open to getting help if they feel seen and heard.
Be Available
If you set a time to speak with your loved one, be available and focused. Make sure you pick a time that you can turn off your phone and give your loved one your full attention. You don’t want them to feel like they are fighting for attention.
Encourage Treatment
Once you have listened actively and provided emotional support, encourage a treatment path. This may be therapy or more intensive treatment. Don’t push too hard but suggest the option and have information prepared that you can leave with them to help them to make the decision on their own.
What If They Don’t Want Help?
If your loved one isn’t ready for help yet, don’t push it. Let them know how serious you are and set boundaries if needed. Ultimately, though, you can’t force someone to seek help. They need to make the decision on their own.
What If They Can’t Take Time Off for Treatment?
Not everyone can step away from their busy lives and obligations to check into a treatment facility. If your loved one can’t take time off, in-home treatment may be the best option to meet their needs. Front Door Health offers outstanding treatment services that are provided to patients from the comfort of their own homes. This means no commute and no moving into a treatment center.
Contact Front Door Health Today!
If your loved one is ready to receive treatment or you simply would like more information before speaking with your loved one about in-home treatment, reach out to Front Door Health. We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with more tips for speaking with your loved one and encouraging them to get the help they need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
