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[I256]Individuals With Mental Illness

by Ronen David, Ron

For people suffering with mental illnesses the world can be a lonely place. The feeling of isolation can complicate many of the issues and symptoms of mental illness. When a person suffering with mental illnesses is single the feeling of being alone can be even more overwhelming. Dating and relationships are stressful enough in normal situations, and that stress can make it nearly impossible for a person suffering mental illness to feel they will ever be able to find a partner.

It doesn't have to be that way. There are many ways to find new relationships and make them work even if you suffer a mental illness. There are even dating services specifically designed for people with mental illnesses. Such services can be helpful as they reduce the stress and anxiety of worrying over explaining your situation to strangers.

Whether you meet someone at a party, at work, at a dating service, or on the street making a first date is an anxious situation for anyone. Realizing that you're not alone in that fear is a big step to overcoming the anxiety. It is helpful if the person you are approaching knows who you are and understand your condition. That's why some of the dating services that specialize in helping people with mental illnesses meet others are so helpful. But if the person you are poaching doesn't know about your condition it's still okay. Don't make a huge issue of it. While it is important to disclose these issues to people who are potentially going to be involved with you, it's as much a part of you as the type of closure wearing for your choice of hair style but it is no bigger and the issue either.
It's a part of what makes us who we are, and that's not good or bad, it's just a fact. Be an active part of your social life. Don't be afraid to get out there and meet people. Don't let the feeling of being ashamed or the fear of being teased stop you from finding a loving relationship. Realizing that everybody has these fears can help alleviate some of the tension.

Just like everybody else you have to realize you're going to be rejected occasionally. This can happen for a number of reasons not just mental illnesses. However, when you have a mental illness it's easy to focus on that as a source of their rejection. You've heard the expression you have to squeeze a lot of lemons to make lemonade; the same can be said for dating mental illness or not.

Once you've found Mrs. or Mr. Right, knowing your own limitations is an important part of dealing with the stress of a new relationship. The feeling of being rushed can add to stress and anxiety. So if you feel a relationship is moving faster than is comfortable for you don't be afraid to slow it down.
Once you've decided to take that first step toward finding someone to share your life with your realize it's not as daunting as it first seems. All the trials and tribulations of any normal relationship are the same the difference is you're being able to handle them. Knowing yourself and your abilities will go a long way in handling the anxieties to come along with all baiting situations. Finding true love is worth all of them. Be honest an up-front and you will find the person perfect for you. You don't have to go through life alone. You can find a partner to share your life with and experience the joys and happiness of the solid relationship while dealing with your mental illness.

My big brother, Tom, has challenges beyond my understanding. He struggles with schizoaffective disorder. Although I've never looked up his "diagnosis" in the official record of mental illnesses, the DSM, I know he has problems. I know this by his fixations on seemingly benign things that happened 20 years ago. Or the threats he might make from time to time to family members who love him.

Tom goes through cycles, ups and downs, which is typical for people suffering some types of mental dis-ease like schizoaffective or bi polar disorder. Despite his struggles, my parents have always required Tom to work and forge ahead as best he can. I lost track of the jobs he's had, mainly because there have been so many! Over the years my siblings and I have taken on various roles in his life. Most of us have simply drifted away from him ignoring his desire to spend time with each of us. My hunch is that many "affected others" ignore and stay away because they don't understand the illness or they feel compelled to "do" something to make "it" better. It can be very challenging and frustrating for the caregiver/ or affected other to interact with the person without feeling overwhelmed.

There are ways to stay connected to or participate in the life of someone struggling with mental dis-ease. My top 5 list includes:

1. Make a list of things you can offer the person. Maybe you enjoy the movies and will commit to taking him/her every 2 months or so. My commitment to Tom is to have him come stay with me for 4 days every 2 months. The important thing here is consistency and follow through. Try not to take on more than you can reasonably do. Remember, for someone who might have a small social circle, this date with you can be critically important to the person.

2. Try to let go of all wishes and desires for certain behaviors for the person. Simply meet them where they are and "be" with them instead of "doing" anything that you feel might "help" them or "heal" them. Now there are exceptions to this. One might be if you are trying to encourage better dress habits. Tom, for example hates wearing socks and underwear. If he is coming somewhere with me I make it a requriement that he at least put
socks on!

3. Always check with the person before giving them something that you think they might want. I have found that many times we "think" the person would like something when in fact they don't. Don't be offended or try to encourage it, simply let it go and honor the answer you are given.

4. Have a solid set of boundaries for dealing with the person. If you are not able to give something, tell them. Don't treat them differently from how you might treat someone else. It takes too much energy and, quite frankly, it's unnecessary. Treating all people with respect and honesty is generally a good policy.

5. Send the person a card or make a quick phone call just to say "HI, I was thinking about you...". Nothing more, nothing less. Just a small but significant thing.

In the end, all relationships with people struggling with mental dis-ease can be a challenge. But caring for yourself and taking appropriate steps to protect your life will, in the end, help you to keep on giving.

Article Source : Symptoms Of Lymes Disease

About Author

Both Ronen David & Mary are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Ronen David has sinced written about articles on various topics from Depression Cure, Beauty Procedure and Family. Ronen David is the chairman of "Malam" (an Israeli organization supporting and representing those dealing with mental disabilities). He is the author of the "How to Cope With Psychosis & Schizophrenia Self Help Handbook".Visit his web site and learn. Ronen David's top article generates over 368000 views. to your Favourites.

Mary has sinced written about articles on various topics from Bad Credit Loans, Energy Healing and Arts. Mary Logan is a business woman, coach and fundraiser. Her enthusiasm around helping others set boundaries with those around them is at the heart of her business. Take her free "Are You an Effective Caregiver?" survey and receive other tips at http://www.f. Mary's top article generates over 8100 views. to your Favourites.