If someone you loved got diagnoses with a major mental illness how would you rea

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   LindseyCrockettposted 13 years ago

   If someone you loved got diagnoses with a major mental illness how would you react?

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   talitz2550posted 13 years ago

   It is the best thing  knowing what the real condition of your love one is because you can give him/her the right treatment and attention with regards to his/her illness. The specialist could advise everything best for the love one's recovery.  Maybe if it was me my first reaction would be find out what may have trigger such illness.  It is of course more on the psychological and emotional status of the patient. In this instance he/she needs more  attention, love and care. professional help would be best as well as they can assist not only the patient but the patient's family as well.

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   Escobanaposted 13 years ago

   First of all I would be shocked. I'm Bipolar and I know all about the ups and downs of a relationship when your partner finds out about a serious mental illness.
   
   In my case, the knowledge broke my complete faith in a fullfilling future. My partner had to support me even though he didn't know how to. I was in and out of mental hospitals, he never came to visit me and we split up after 8 years.
   
   My point....you never know what will happen after the diagnose. I turned out to have a severe form of Bipolar Disorder. My partner turned out to be someone who wasn't able to handle the situation. I blamed him for leaving me but I know now, he wasn't strong enough. He couldn't help it. We tried for five years to make the best of it.
   
   Now that I'm stable for more than ten years, I can be in a healthy relationship with my loving new partner. It's never easy but at least I know all about keeping myself on track.
   
   I would say to all the partners from anyone diagnosed with a mentall illness...don't blame yourself for leaving someone behind if that's all you can think of after trying life out with your sick loved one.
   
   Most patients need to travel a long long road to stability before they're even capable of handling any relationship in general. Of course every situation is different but the person diagnosed with a serious mental illness, is responsible for doing anything possible, to get proper treatment and living a healthy life, instead of leaning too much on their partner.

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   denise.w.andersonposted 13 years ago

   It depends largerly upon the relationship with that person. If it is an immediate family member, you love them and make sure that they get the care that they need. My daughter has emotional disorders that were diagnosed when she was a child. She is twenty-four years old now and has to take her medication daily and see her professional people monthly. There are times when she would like to not have to do it, but we encourage her and make sure that she does it. She still lives with us in our home, as she is not ready to live by herself yet.
   
   I was diagnosed with mental illness after having seven children. I had a hysterectomy and my life changed, as well as my chemical balances. I have been on medication since. My husband stood by me through my hospitalization and has stayed with me through the ups and downs. Several of our children have had mental health issues since then. The things I learned have helped all of us.
   
   If the person is not an immediate family member, it is best to keep your advice to yourself and keep your relationship as normal as possible.

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      grand old ladyposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I very much love your answer and agree with it. I also appreciate your sharing your life in this forum.

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   duffsmomposted 13 years ago

   I don't think it would be a huge surprise because if it is someone you are close to - you are around them all the time so you would have some clue that something was off.  I would be thankful it could finally be treated properly.

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   WinglessGuardian6posted 13 years ago

   Research the diagnosis and do what I can to continue with as 'normal' a life as I can. I don't understand why people want to make these kinds of things into GIANT deals.

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   amy1oowhoposted 13 years ago

   Mental illness is extremely common so I wouldn't be surprised. I would be sad though, because I have had to struggle through it and it's a tough road. The only thing you can do is offer your support to the best of your ability. If you don't understand mental illness or if you think they should just be able to snap out of it, then do some research. Educate yourself. In fact, even if you do believe mental illness is real, educate yourself anyway. I'm a psychology student. I became one to help myself understand what I was going through, and I think it would be great for everyone who has been diagnosed with mental illness and their families to go out and read a book on their illness. Not just the pamphlet the doctor gave you. Really inform yourself about how what your loved one is going through. I think that's the best thing you can do for them.

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   lburmasterposted 13 years ago

   Blaming myself for not seeing it. Then instantly changing to thinking about what to do about it. Mental institution? How bad the symptoms? A possible danger to others? What is the normal out come? Etc, etc, etc...

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