Will I Go Crazy?

 
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Tips For Helpers

The phrase "persons diagnosed with mental illness" is too long and cumbersome. So, I'll use the word "consumers" instead. (It's short for "consumers of mental health services," another cumbersome phrase.)

Just because someone has been diagnosed with a mental illness at some time in the past does not mean that he or she needs any help or special consideration from you or from anyone else, of course. But here are some tips in case you are a paid or volunteer helper (or family member) in a situation where there are consumers who clearly do need your help:

1.Be helpful, but in a matter-of-fact way. Don't show compassion to a consumer unless asked for it.

2.Be positive, but be careful not to talk down to consumers. Most consumers will not protest if you talk baby talk to them, but this perceived lack of respect is likely to generate resentment.

3.Drop the labels. Words like "disturbed," "crazy," or even "schizophrenic" have no place in a situation where you are trying to help consumers. Rather than using labels, speak of what the person actually did or did not do but, of course, only if it happens to be your business.

4.See How To Handle Someone Who Constantly Interrupts.

5.There's a story going around that's attributed to Leo Tolstoy. Tolstoy encountered a beggar one day. He told the beggar, "Brother, I'm sorry, but I have no money -- nothing to give you." The beggar cried, "Thank you, sir! You have just given me a gift far more precious than money. You have called me 'brother'!"

Why not give that gift to consumers, or to anybody you run into, for that matter? Or use a few minutes of your time to listen to their problems, even though you may not actually be able to solve them.

6. Show your love to consumers and non-consumers alike. If you see ANYBODY who looks upset, unkempt or otherwise needy, do not avoid eye contact or rush on by. Just a simple, direct, smiling gaze, and a "hello" if that's your style, can make all the difference between acceptance and rejection.  Trust me; I have been there.

7.  Stand up for consumers.  Give your friends their freedom, but when they make cruel "psycho" jokes in your presence, make it clear how you feel about that. Stick with jokes that make fun of the LABELS, not the people, or that make fun of yourself, not others.

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