HELP FOR THE CAREGIVERS OF MENTAL HEALTH PATIENTS.

Caregiving can be difficult because one is torn between the love that they have for the person they are caring for and the frustration that comes with it. It may be a parent caring for their autistic son or daughter, or caring for a person with a disability, elderly, or sick individual. However much one may be desiring for the trouble to end, the end is not usually pleasant. Indeed when Christ is not central in the help for the suffering one can be overwhelmed by the pressure of guilt, loneliness, or even despair. The National Association of Caregivers says that 1/3 of the population of the US are already caregivers. According to the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP half of those regularly feel down, depressed, and depressed.

Growing stress among caregivers is a hard reality. According to a study of 110,000 caregivers done in Ontario, it was found that 1/3 of the caregivers experienced anger, stress, or depression. This makes it difficult for the primary caregivers to continue in the role. Almost everyone has or is eventually going to care for someone else, either their parent or their child. They may also require caregiving from someone else.

I will be laying out biblical help in caregiving and also encourage a primary caregiver for a person with a mental health problem.

1. Biblical guidance to caregivers.

The invisibility of mental illness can at times make caregivers feel as if they do not care and as if they don’t help much. But we are to emulate Christ who tells two of his disciples after a mother’s request for them to be made great in His kingdom in Mathew 20:28 that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and give his life as a ransom.
Somewhere else Christ tells his disciples that ‘greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.’ What a joy then to give one’s life in service for another, our hope is not just in this life but for an eternal reward. Let the care giver therefore do all that they do as unto the; Lord, without grumbling or murmuring. One’s faith can greatly be tested amid the financial strain, emotional breakdowns, and exhaustion while seeking help.
It is also good to take some time and pray for guidance and wisdom on how one ought to speak to the person they are caring for.

2. Encouragement to the caregiver.

It’s good to realize that the caregivers also need help. The way of living is affected by the onset of a mental illness in a loved one which in turn affects their relationship. At times the patient may push the people caring for them away or they may say upsetting things to them. This strain may be felt by everyone around them.

Take time for yourself.

Dave Nassaney in one of his presentations at TEDx said that ‘one needs to be selfish to survive in caregiving’. This could mean taking a few minutes break each day for oneself as Frances Lewis would suggest.

Seek help for your loved one.

Most times we think we can figure out every problem our friends or family members are going through, we think we know them better than anyone else could. However, when it comes to mental illness it’s advisable to allow them to meet a mental health professional. As much as we are to listen and offer reassurance we may not be the best fit to assist them overcome their illness. We are to listen, stay calm, and be patient while dealing with our loved ones. If possible we can even join them for appointments.

By Michelle Mwikali.