3 Ways to reduce the burden of mental illness

 Mental illnesses are more common than people will often like to admit. While some struggle with their mental illness, others go on to optimize their lives and live out their dreams. The likelihood that someone with a mental illness will go on to live out their dreams largely depends on varying factors such as the nature of the mental illness, the quality of support, the appropriateness of the intervention and the patient’s cooperation with treatment.

Here are 3 helpful tips to improve one’s quality of life despite having a mental illness

1. Be informed rather than be in denial

Like I always say “You are never without hope when you are better educated about what you are dealing.” In the last 2 decades a lot of positive advances have been made in the management of mental illnesses. Some treatment outcomes for some particular mental illnesses are over 70% positive. It is better to confront the reality of the illness and seek treatment rather than avoid and deny it.

2. Be patiently supportive and tolerant towards a loved one with mental illness rather than being critical, hostile or emotionally over-involved

This advice is really for relatives, loved ones and careers of people with a mental illness.  Supporting a loved one with a mental illness can be challenging and sometimes emotions may run high in the home in such situations. Understanding the nature and manifestation of the illness can help reduce feelings of hostility, anger, tension, sadness or blame which sometimes tend to arise in response to the person’s with the illness.

3. Choose to live beyond the illness and the stigma

You are not the illness rather you have an illness. Don’t focus on the illness beyond what is necessary. The illness definitely takes a toll on you but don’t define yourself by it. Even if the treatment is for a lifetime make a choice to equally pay attention to other aspects of your life. Help people understand the nature of what you are dealing with and inform them on how best to be of help to you in that aspect.

Remember, people with mental health challenges can live more productive lives, talk to a professional today.