Communication is challenging for many of us from time to time. For those with a mental health diagnosis, and his or her support team, good communication is imperative.

Phrases and Actions to Avoid

If you have a family member or loved one living with a mental health condition, here are things to consider in your communication strategy.

• If your loved one asks you to stop a behavior because it is causing anxiety, is a trigger, etc, STOP immediately.  Your failure to do so speaks volumes about your love for the sufferer.  

• Do not mock your partner when he or she asks for you to stop talking and listen, when told that your noise (radio, voice, etc) is overwhelming.  Do not be facetious.   

• Do not feign ignorance and say "I didn't know ______ was a trigger for you" if your partner has clearly communicated that it is. Your partner isn't buying it.  Forgetting is understandable from time to time, but your partner will pay attention to pattern and frequency. 

• Beginning a statement with "Why?" can be a trigger for your loved one.  We want people to treat us with kindness, even if they don't understand our actions. Having to explain to people solves nothing, and has the effect of making your loved one feel judged, thereby adding to stigma and anxiety.

• Beginning a statement with "just," as if the desired behavior is simple to achieve and your loved one isn't making an effort to change or cope."Just think positive."
  "Just get over it."
  "Just think about something else."

To read the full article, and for more loving ways to communicate click here.

Greg Watson Receives Social Worker of the Year Award at the 2014 NASW Illinois District Awards

Greg Watson is the 2nd clinician from TCFS to be honored with this award.  Tom Dewese, LCSW, ACSW, Senior Clinician/Consultant was awarded in 2009.

For more information please click here.