ST JEANNE ANTIDE FOUNDATION
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Tips on Bi-Polar Disorder


Bi-Polar Disorder affects not just the individual but all those around them.  Very often, family members suffer as much as the patient.  Relatives tend to suffer from extreme stress and isolation as much of their time is dedicated to the sick relative.
 
What can family members do?
  1. Read, ask and learn more about the condition.
  2. Find out what services are available in your area and generally.
  3. Participate in a support group for family members of mentally ill patients.  These groups will provide support that you will need and will help you realize that you are not alone in this difficult situation. The Mental Health Association (Malta), for example, runs an annual course for family caregivers. Many caregivers attend this course more than once.
  4. Although it may not be easy, it is important to maintain good relations with the sick relative, even when they do not appreciate your support or the sacrifices that you are making.
  5. Keep in regular contact with the patient’s psychiatrist and keep track of appointments.
  6. Teach the patient to be as independent as possible.
  7. Ensure that your relative is taking correct medication.  If not, speak to the psychiatrist and check whether it is necessary to register with the MMDNA, so that a nurse could visit the patient at home to give him or her the medication.
  8. Keep handy a list of important telephone numbers so that you can reach them easily in an emergency.
  9. Keep communication open with the patient.
  10. When you are caring for a family member with this condition, it is important that:
  11. You get enough sleep so that your mind and body are rested and you will not collapse due to tiredness, anxiety and stress.
  12. Make time for some form of exercise and keep your own appointments and commitments.
  13. Make sure you have a balanced diet and eat nourishing food.
  14. Some daily “me” time is necessary – you should not feel guilty for doing this.
  15. Try to understand the negative emotions that can arise when you are caring for the patient. If you want to rid yourself of negative emotions, make an appointment for yourself with the Emotional Freedom Service of the Foundation.
  16. Acknowledge the positive things in your life, although these may be small.
  17. Keep a positive attitude – humor should be an important part of your life.
  18. Recognise priorities in your life – what is most important?
 
Taking care of a mentally ill person is no easy task and can make us face difficult challenges.  However, a saying by Winston Churchill bears repeating:  “When you are going through hell, keep on going.  Never never never give up.”

Disclaimer
This website is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.  St Jeanne Antide Foundation makes no representations or warranties in relation to this website or the information and materials provided on this website.  Nothing on this website constitutes, or is meant to constitute, advice of any kind.  If you require advice in relation to any matter you should make an appointment with one of our professionals.  This can be done by contacting us.

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  • Home
  • About
    • About Us >
      • Saint Jeanne Antide - Who was she?
    • Governing Board
    • Organigram
  • Services
    • Services Overview
    • Family Centre
    • Community Social Work
    • SOAR Service (Domestic Violence) >
      • IVY - Interrupting Violence towards Youths
      • SOAR Hub >
        • Donate
        • PARTNERS, DONORS and CONTRIBUTORS
        • CSR
    • Lwien Service (Family Caregivers)
    • Emotional Freedom Service
    • SJAF Referral Forms
    • Discontinued Services >
      • Ċentru Enrichetta
      • Overseas Development Projects
      • Y-Assist (Vulnerable Pregnant women and Mothers)
  • SOAR HUB
    • SOAR Hub Overview
    • Donate
    • PARTNERS, DONORS and CONTRIBUTORS
    • CSR
  • Volunteering
  • Donate
    • Make a donation by PayPal or Credit Card
    • Make a Donation by Bank Transfer
    • How You Can Help
    • CSR Partnerships Stories
    • #COVID can't stop GOOD!
  • Contact Us
  • Publications
    • E-Magazines
    • Books
  • Annual Reports
  • Spirituality
    • Spirituality And Freedom
    • Foundation Prayer
    • Centering Prayer Meditation - Method and Group
    • Video Resources
  • News/Links
    • Vacancies
    • Current Projects >
      • Past Projects
    • Events
    • Awards
    • Links