The Open Arms Initiative recognizes recovery from mental health issues as a journey demanding endurance, resilience, and, perhaps most importantly, support from family and friends. Therapy, medication, and self-care are indeed critical in the healing process. Yet, family support is absolutely essential for long-term recovery. For people living in Oklahoma City with mental health issues, vibrant family involvement can test and reshape their journey on the road toward healing.
While family members offer a direct form of emotional, psychological, and practical support that stabilizes the lives of those affected by depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological disorders, it can be experience-changing. Involving families in the recovery process will:
Less isolated-The very sense of being surrounded by loving family and friends conveys a sense of security and belonging for those in need.
Encouraging treatment adherence-Other members of the family will remind, advise, and motivate those in need to make their therapy sessions or take medications.
Create a safe environment-Such supportive home environments are supposed to create low-stress environments in which individuals can learn to control their feelings.
Enhancing dialogue and understanding-families that are qualified about mental health can offer valuable support, eliminating many cases of misunderstanding.
Strengthening mental health means strengthening support from family with the primary objective of making people feel less alone and empowering their recovery journey in Oklahoma City.
Stigma is one of the greatest barriers to effective recovery from the challenges posed by mental illness. On too many occasions, individuals even shy away from seeking help for fear of judgment, condemnation, or ostracism from their immediate families. Hence, family members will make unquantifiable contributions in:
Open Arms Initiative helps support families in becoming staunch allies in the treatment journey of their patients. By breaking down the stigma, we make the path to seek help safe and comforting.
Supporting a loved one during times of mental illness requires patience and commitment. Here are concrete ways families can make a positive difference:
Knowledge is power. Family members learn that knowledge about mental health conditions, their symptoms, and effects equips them with a way to be more helpful. Open Arms Initiative offers educational materials to help families to navigate these challenges.
As invaluable as family support is to a person, professional treatment must be available if one’s recovery is to be sustained. You should encourage your loved one to attend therapy, support group meetings, or consult a mental health professional in Oklahoma City.
Sometimes, the greatest support you can give is simply to listen. Allow your loved one to express his or her feelings without giving unsolicited advice or judgment. Validation can make quite a huge difference.
Mentally ill clients often experience fluctuations in their recovery. Life is a mix of bright moments and tough times. With patience and reassurance, a sense of stability and trust can develop
Some chores, making dinner, or running small errands won’t make them feel pressured, but small acts of kindness can lessen stress and help bring the day-to-day life of a person in recovery back to normal.
Encouraging activities such as exercise, meditation, balanced meals, and restful sleep can be beneficial to the overall health of the person and reinforce positive lifestyle changes.
Research shows that people with supportive families enjoy better outcomes in their mental health. Families that engage in Mental Health and Family Support in Oklahoma City help:
At Open Arms Initiative, we provide resources that aim to equip families with the utmost organization of their support framework for loved ones on the recovery road.
If you or someone you know is affected by mental health issues, remember that there is help out there. Seeking help is the first step towards healing-once you get help, you won’t be alone in this journey. Open Arms Initiative provides compassionate support for counseling and resources to individuals and families in Oklahoma City.
Take action to heal today. Call the Open Arms Initiative to learn how we can help you and your family walk the recovery road together.
