563 - How to Support Yourself While Supporting Others

In this episode, we look at how to best support yourself while supporting the people who need you the most. 

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"In the United States, almost half of adults (46.4 percent) will experience a mental illness during their lifetime. 5 percent of adults (18 or older) experience a mental illness in any one year, equivalent to 43.8 million people."

We talk a lot about managing our own mental health, but it's very likely that someone who is close to you is going to struggle with their own mental health at some point and rely on you for support.

Do not become a sacrificial lamb

• Dropping everything that matters to you for the other person
• Going above and beyond regularly
• Neglecting your own mental health and life

The best way to support someone else is to maintain your own mental health

How to take care of yourself:

• Make time to focus on your own physical health to keep your resilience up
  Eat healthy
  Get out and move
  Get enough sleep
  
• Avoid unhealthy coping like drinking or substance use
• Focus on your own established Mental Health routines. This may not be the best time to start something new, but you can at least stick to what you know works
• Avoid Feeling Guilty - Quote from National Alliance on Mental Illness “When you allow yourself to notice your feelings without judging them as good or bad, you dial down the stress and feel more in control. When you feel less stressed, you’re better able to thoughtfully choose how to act.”
• Gather Help from Others – reach out to other loved ones, trusted friends, support groups, mental health professionals

Resources

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-nerd/201911/when-the-one-you-love-is-depressed

https://www.nami.org/Find-Support/Family-Members-and-Caregivers/Taking-Care-of-Yourself