Are you struggling to cope with a family member who has a mental illness or addiction? Do you feel out of control of your own home environment and emotional space? Living with a person who has a mental illness or an addiction can be stressful, depressing, and anxiety-provoking. If this is you, you may want to consider getting help for yourself so you can be well and balanced while you are caring for or helping another in a challenging situation.
Self-care must come first
The need for self-care is more than just an idea; it is a strategy that must be developed and implemented. Self-care is different for each individual and is determined by context and specific needs. For example, self-care for one person could be taking time away from others to enjoy stress-free leisure time. For another, it could be taking steps to care for their own physical and mental health. Still, for another person, self-care could be about learning how to set boundaries and limitations with a mentally ill or addicted family member. Boundaries are more than personal space — boundaries are also needed to protect our emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing.
If you are living with someone who is struggling, when you take better care of yourself, you will have more energy for offering encouragement, helping with problem-solving, and providing practical support.
Help for those helping others
In therapy, you can connect to someone whose sole purpose is to support you and help you through the challenges you are facing. There are strategies that will help you create a more manageable life with the person you are caring for. A therapist understands what you are going through and what is needed to support you. In order to help others, you need to take steps to help yourself.
Therapy in Brooklyn and Manhattan, New York
Dr. Marcia Kesner is a frum therapist in Brooklyn and the Upper West Side of Manhattan. If you would like to get started on your path of hope and healing, you are welcome to call now or just fill out the contact form and press Send.
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