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When someone you love is struggling
with a behavioral or mental health disorder that requires residential care,
you’re well aware that one difficult conversation is a price worth paying.
The good news is that with proper
preparation, the talk may go much more smoothly than you anticipate – and the
result may change (or save) your loved one’s life.
That said, here a few important issues
to consider when preparing to talk to your loved one about getting treatment.
Conversation
DO be empathetic and compassionate
Never lose sight of the fact that your
loved one is in pain – not as a result of a lack of willpower or a failure of
character, but because he or she has a very real disease. Because of this
disease, your loved one has literally lost control of his or her behavior, and
cannot make the types of healthy decisions that seem so obvious to you.
You wouldn’t blame someone for getting
cancer or diabetes – so please don’t ever accuse your loved one of “causing”
his or her addiction, eating disorder, mood disorder, or chronic pain.
DON’T accept (or make) excuses
Understanding that the disease itself
is beyond your loved one’s control doesn’t mean excusing (or making excuses
for) his or her behaviors. You might think you’re trying to help, but when you
look the other way, cover up damage, or otherwise try to minimize the impact of
the behaviors in question, you allow the problem to take a stronger hold on
your loved one and prevent him or her from getting help.
