10 quick tips to better relationships

10 QUICK TIPS

TO BETTER

RELATIONSHIPS

Regardless of whatever mentalhealth challenges try to get inthe way

www.QueenslandMentalHealth.com

My name is Ian and I have depression

My wife Pauline has schizoaffective disorder

We have been together for 14 years and our relationship has not only survivedbut thrived in spite of our mental health issues

Who am I and why am I giving advice?

and we want to share our secrets with you


Accept that you or your loved one has a mental health issue

It's no ones fault - it's just the way it is

Tip 1 - Acceptance

Dont blame anyone


God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,The courage to change the things I can,

And the wisdom to know the difference.

Tip 1 - Acceptance


Be honest with yourself and your loved ones

Trust takes time to build be can be easily broken

It requires effort and determination and wont always be easy

Tip 2 - Be Honest

All strong relationships are built on truth


Honesty is more than not lying. It is truth telling, truth speaking, truth living, and truth loving.

James E. Faust

Tip 2 - Be Honest


Learn to be a good listener - it takes practice

Be interested in what your loved one is talking about

Listen and ask follow up questions to make sure you really understand the issues

Tip 3 - Listen

We have 2 ears and 1 mouth - use them in that proportion


I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything.

So if I'm going to learn, I must do it by listening.Larry King

Tip 3 - Listen


Just because something doesn't seem important or a "big deal" to you doesn'tmean it isn't to your loved one

If someone makes the effort to open up about something to you it is of importanceto them

Tip 4 - Don't Judge

Create an environment where people feel safe to share


You can develop good judgement as you do the muscles of your body - by judicious, daily exercise.

Grenville Kleiser

Tip 4 - Don't Judge


There will be ups and downs

Be there to support your loved one when you are needed

There are times when we all need a hug, to be held and feel safe

Tip 5 - Empathy

Imagine how you would feel if you were in their shoes


When you show deep empathy toward others, their defensive energy goes down, and positive energy replaces it.

That's when you can get more creative in solving problems.Stephen Covey

Tip 5 - Empathy


There are times when we all just need some space

It is healthy and normal for everyone to want and need some "me" time

Use your "me" time productively thinking about the good things the future holds

Tip 6 - Give Space

15 to 30 minutes each a day works for us and helps provide clarity


We need to give each other the space to grow, to be ourselves, to exercise our diversity.

We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing, and inclusion.

Max de Pree

Tip 6 - Give Space


Pay attention to medication requirements

For many, medication provides an important tool in recovery and staying well

Don't vary or stop medications without medical dupervision

Tip 7 - Comply With Medications

Medication withdrawals can be nasty both physically & mentally


You just stay the course, and do what it is that you do, and grow while you're doing it.

Eventually it will either come full circle, or at least you'll go to bed at night happy.

Jon Bon Jovi

Tip 7 - Comply With Medications


If you want to be able to support your loved ones you need to look after your own health - both physical & mental

Get your sleep, watch your diet, exercise if possible, stay on your meds

You and the role you play are important to someone so make sure you can be there for them when you are needed

Tip 8 - Love & Look After Yourself

You are no help to anyone if you are struggling and not at your best


If you can learn to love yourself and all the flaws, you can love other people so much better.

And that makes you so happy.Kristin Chenoweth

Tip 8 - Love & Look After Yourself


Find reasons to share small rewards together

It could be a coffee at starbucks or a picnic in the local park

Small rewards don't have to cost money but they do need to be something you enjoy and see as a reward for foing something well

Tip 9 - Small Rewards

Positive reinforcement is the best teacher


Chocolate is the first luxury. It has so many things wrapped up in it:

Deliciusness in the moment, childhood memories, and that grin-inducing feeling of getting a reward for being good.

Mariska Hargitay

Tip 9 - Small Rewards


Even if only 5 or 10 minutes a day - make the time. Inside/outside doesn't matter

There are mountains of reports & studies that show the benefit to mental healthof even low levels of exercise

Tip 10 - Exercise

Time in the sun also gives Vitamin D - great for mental health


True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.Wilhelm von Humboldt

Tip 10 - Exercise


Always be looking for opportunities to provide positive feedback

"You really did a great job of (insert appropriate thing here) may be the pick upsomeone needed to ensure they have a great day

Bonus Tip 11 - Positive Reinforcement

Arguing & fighting destroy self confidence. Positive reinforcement builds it


You're going to go through tough times - that's life. But I say, 'Nothing happens to you, it happens for you.'

See the positive in negative events.Joel Osteen

Bonus Tip 11 - Positive Reinforcement


If you have enjoyed this short guide - 10 quick tips to better relationships,regardless of whatever mental health challenges try to get in the way then read more at www.QueenslandMentalHealth.com

Facebook

Contacts

We hope that you and your loved ones found this helpful


Twitter

https://www.facebook.com/queenslandmentalhealth

https://twitter.com/QLDMH

10 quick tips to better relationships

Health & Medicine

good things

loved oneif

loved onestrust

receivesuch beautiful

good listener

good judgementas

mental health issueits

mental health issuesand