Hi,<\/p>\n
Today I want to talk about 6 Ways to Help Your Loved One Stay On Track<\/p>\n
1.\tDon’t Let Them Get Lazy<\/p>\n
It’s hard for your loved one when they, perhaps, have lost their job and are now on disability. Some people lose their sense of direction when they have nothing to wake up for any more when they have no job to go to. Don’t let your loved one get lazy just because they aren’t working any more. Encourage them to make a To-Do List, or something else that forces them to be productive in some way every day \u2013 just something that gets them out of bed with a day’s goal in mind.<\/p>\n
2.\tMake Sure They Stick to Their Treatment Plan<\/p>\n
Sometimes loved ones may stick to their treatment plans in the beginning, when they know you’re watching them, but then they slack off when they think you’re not looking. Don’t let that happen to your loved one. Make sure they stick to their treatment plan. This is so important. Especially when it comes to their medication. No, they’re not a child, and you can’t make them take their medication by forcing it down their throat. But you can encourage them and reinforce the importance of taking it. Be the same way with the rest of their treatment plan \u2013 going to their appointments with their psychiatrist, doctor, and therapist. Eat a good diet, exercise, and sleep right, etc.<\/p>\n
3.\tUse a Buddy System<\/p>\n
Try to keep them on track by finding a “BP Buddy” for them \u2013 maybe someone from their bipolar support group. Someone who knows what they’re going through, and is perhaps sharing the same struggles. Maybe they can do some things together, maybe some things to keep them from getting bored \u2013 maybe they share the same interests, or at<\/p>\n
least could go out to eat or to the movies, etc.<\/p>\n
4.\tEncourage Them to be Independent<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t act like your loved one’s babysitter. Encourage them to be independent, and not<\/p>\n
dependent on you. You want to be supportive, and you want them to feel your support and to know that you’re there for them, but at the same time, you don’t want them to feel as if you’re smothering them. If you have grown children, remember back to when your children were teenagers and were trying to show that they were “grown up.” Your loved one is going through the same thing. Stay close enough that if they want your help, you can help them, but give them enough room that they can do what they can for themselves.<\/p>\n
5.\tBe Their Cheerleader<\/p>\n
When your loved one does make advances in their growth, say, in therapy, be their<\/p>\n
personal cheerleader! Make sure they know that you are on their side, not only NOT<\/p>\n
nagging them, but being positive and encouraging, and cheering them on to do good so that they don’t get depressed. Even small advances can be good ones.<\/p>\n
6.\tBe a Good Listener<\/p>\n
Your loved one may not always be in the mood to talk, but when they are, they are going to want a good listener. It\u2019s not very hard to be a good listener. The biggest rule is to listen more than you talk! Most people just don\u2019t get that. It\u2019s good to use non-verbal<\/p>\n
communication as well \u2013 be sure to nod to show that you are listening, for example. Do not cross your arms or legs, as these can give negative connotations. Hopefully, this will<\/p>\n
encourage your loved one to talk to you more often and share more.<\/p>\n
Being a good supporter isn’t an easy job. But it is so important to your loved one that you encourage them every step of the way.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi,<\/p>\n
Today I want to talk about 6 Ways to Help Your Loved One Stay On Track<\/p>\n
1.\tDon’t Let Them Get Lazy<\/p>\n
It’s hard for your loved one when they, perhaps, have lost their job and are now on disability. Some people lose their sense of direction when they have nothing to wake up for any more when they have no job to go to. Don’t let your loved one get lazy just because they aren’t working any more.<\/p>\n