Learning Guide
Education
If your psychiatrist prescribes medications for your symptoms, be sure to ask questions regarding any issues about which you are unsure. If you do forget something, write it down and call to ask about it.
Your doctor will discuss with you the name, dosage and schedule of the medicine being prescribed. Make sure that you understand exactly what the medication is for. Side effects and the expected length of time that you can expect to be on the medication should also be clarified. Make sure that you tell your doctor about any other medication you are taking so as to avoid medication interactions. Medications of any type, prescribed, over-the-counter, or borrowed should never be mixed without consulting the doctor.
Most medications have some side effects. Depending on the specific medication, side effects may include weight changes, nausea or other stomach upset, tremor or anxiety, reduced sex drive, movement problems or dry mouth. Remember to tell the doctor about any and all side effects that you experience during. He or she may want to adjust the dosage or offer an alternative.
People are often tempted to stop medications too soon. They may feel better and think that they no longer need the medication. Or, they may assume, especially early in treatment, that the medication is “not working.”
Lastly, follow your doctor’s orders exactly. Your medication should not be changed or stopped without consulting the doctor for instructions.
Support
- Educate yourself about the diagnosis and treatment of the problem under treatment. Ask the clinician for reading materials, attend community support groups or visit some of the websites linked throughout this guide.
- Encourage and support healthy behaviors such as proper diet, regular exercise and avoidance of alcohol and other chemicals.
- Pay attention to your loved one’s appointment and medication schedule; use gentle reminders as appropriate. If necessary, help with scheduling appointments or offer to accompany your loved one to the appointment.
- Listen and be patient with the recovery process. Treatment helps, but improvement is gradual, not immediate.
- Acknowledge the biological and stressful contributions to the illness; avoid accusations of blame.
- Discourage your loved one from making significant life decisions until after recovery.
- Pay attention to your own stress level. Taking care of a patient with longstanding mental health problems can be draining. In addition to following some of the earlier-offered advice, consider the need for professional help for yourself.
- Offer support and assistance. Remember, just because your loved one may not ask for it does not mean that s/he does not need it. Emotional support involves understanding, affection and encouragement. Do not disparage sad or negative feelings, but point out realities and offer hope.
- Lastly, do not ignore discussions about suicide. Such talk should always be taken seriously and merits immediate professional help. Do not leave the suicidal person alone and prevent access to medication, weapons or other items that could be used to inflict harm. If in doubt, call 911 or go to the emergency room immediately.
