Take What You Like-Leave the Rest
If your loved one has been diagnosed with a mental illness, you might find yourself in a state of conflict: you want to help, but find it hard not to react in an emotional manner to his sometimes irrational behavior. That’s where we can help. Here’s a list of tips that may help improve your communication skills. You might find that these tips are not just helpful in getting along
with someone with a brain disorder–they can help you get along with
just about anyone. As always, take what you like (what works) and leave the rest.
Tell the truth and keep it simple
Make it short and sweet
Be exact
Look at him
Describe your feelings
Be firm
Make helpful suggestions
Repetition can be useful
Evaluate his state of mind–if he seems agitated, it might be better to wait for your talk
Anticipate that you may need to allow more time to end a conversation with grace
Don’t expect rational conversation or response
Expect to extend extra effort to gain his attention or to initiate conversation
Watch for changing emotions but keep your response on an even keel
Don’t pay attention to delusions
Remain positive
Ignore silence or delayed reactions
Be clear when describing the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behavior
Praise all progress, no matter how slight
Love him but hate his disease
Help Him Regain Control
If your loved one displays anger, there are methods that can help you to cope with your feelings and assist him in regaining control of his emotions.
Stay Calm
Hear him out
Find an aspect of his conversation with which you can agree, and say so
Keep the conversation focused and avoid veering into tangents by repeating the initial topic
Don’t be afraid to state the acceptable limits in a calm manner, as many times as necessary
Use simple language
Talk it over with a cup of coffee or nosh. Sharing food and drink is an effective bonding tool
Keep your tone respectful and be his peer, not his boss
Remember not to take his words to heart–it’s not personal
Don’t ignore him or turn away from him
Never argue or get into a power struggle
Refrain from threats
Assume makes an ass out of u and me–don’t assume you know everything
Don’t patronize by faking your positive attention–be real–he knows the difference
Never make a promise you can’t keep
