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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffCoping with a mental illness can be challenging. Talk to your doctor or therapist about improving your coping skills, and consider these tips:
- Learn about your mental illness. Include your family, too — this can help the people who care about you understand what you're going through and learn how they can help. Your doctor or therapist may provide information directly or may recommend classes, books or websites.
- Join a support group. Connecting with others facing similar challenges can help you cope. Support groups for mental illness are available in many communities and online. One good place to start is the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
- Stay connected with friends and family. Try to participate in social activities, and get together with family or friends regularly. Ask for help when you need it, and be upfront with your loved ones about how you're doing.
- Keep a journal. Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health provider identify what triggers or improves your symptoms. It's also a healthy way to explore and express pain, anger, fear and other emotions.
References
- Matorin AA, et al. Clinical manifestations of psychiatric disorders. In: Sadock BJ, et al. Kaplan & Sadock's Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2009:1071.
- Mental illness and the family: Recognizing warning signs and how to cope. Mental Health America. http://www.nmha.org/go/information/get-info/mi-and-the-family/recognizing-warning-signs-and-how-to-cope.Accessed June 25, 2010.
- Introduction. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed June 28, 2010.
- What are the early signs of mental disorders? World Health Organization. http://www.who.int/features/qa/38/en. Accessed June 25, 2010.
- Warning signs of major mental illness. Healthy Minds. http://www.healthyminds.org/Document-Library/Brochure-Library/Lets-Talk-Facts-Warning-Signs-of-Major-Mental-Illnesses.aspx. Accessed June 25, 2010.
- Mind/body connection: How your emotions affect your health. American Academy of Family Physicians. http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/healthy/mental/782.printerview.html. Accessed June 25, 2010.
- Kung S (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. July 22, 2010.
- The numbers count: Mental disorders in America. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/statistics/index.shtml. Accessed June 25, 2010.
- Kiraly B, et al. Primary care issues in patients with mental illness. American Family Physician. 2008;1:355.
- Overview of mental illness. Mental health: A report of the Surgeon General. http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/mentalhealth/chapter2/sec2.html. Accessed June 28, 2010.
- Mental illness: Taking care of yourself. American Family Physician. http://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0801/p363.html. Accessed June 25, 2010.
- Martinez M, et al. Psychopharmacology. In: Hales RE. Textbook of Psychiatry. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008.
- Donker T, et al. Psychoeducation for depression, anxiety and psychological distress: A meta-analysis. BMC Medicine. 2009;7:79.
- Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml. Accessed June 28, 2010.
- Lee RA. Anxiety disorders. In: Rakel D. Integrative Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/154207005-3/0/1494/57.html?tocnode=54111716&fromURL=57.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2954-0..50014-4_229. Accessed June 28, 2010.
- Saeed SA, et al. Herbal and dietary supplements for treatment of anxiety disorders. American Family Physician. 2007;76:549.
- Wahner-Roedler D. Treating 20 common conditions. In: Bauer B. Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, N.Y.: Time Inc.; 2010:166.
- Staying well when you have a mental health condition. Mental Health America. http://www.nmha.org/go/mental-health-month/staying-well-when-you-have-a-mental-illness. Accessed June 28, 2010.
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