It's Mental Health Monday here on Living Oklahoma.
Coping with mental illness is a lifelong process and it impacts the entire family. Our friends at NAMI Oklahoma have a couple ideas on ways to help. First, learn as much as you can about your family member's mental health condition. It can give you a better insight and understanding and what treatments are available.
Show some interest in the treatment plan, if your family member wants you to talk to his or her doctor about the treatment or medications, support them and show up.
Finally, simply listen. NAMI Oklahoma says it is one of the best ways to show your support and get back to life.
Reach out to your health insurance, primary care doctor, or state/county mental health authority for more resources. You can also contact the NAMI helpline at 1-800-583-1264 to find out what services and supports are available in Oklahoma. For more information on the National Alliance on Mental Illness Oklahoma, visit their website, NAMIOklahoma.org.