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ROMANCE AND MENTAL ILLNESS (Part II of III) (375 hits)

The reality of love and brain disorders is that spouses or mates must accept the brain disorder and not fear it or the stigmas. Here are some tips to help a mate or spouse of a person with a brain disorder:

1) Learn everything you possibly can about the brain disorder from the individual and do your own research to determine what you can handle;

2) Ask healthcare professionals even the silliest questions;

3) Respect the dignity and privacy of the person with the brain disorder;

4) Keep communication honest and open;

5) Be supportive and encouraging of the person with the brain disorder;

6) Understand there will be days when you must take charge and do it lovingly;

7) Delegate house chores to every member of the family for the days when the person with the brain disorder is faced with health challenges;

8) Know how to cook light meals or keep a list of your favorite fast-food or carry-out restaurants nearby. Smile;

9) Have close family and friends knowledgeable about the brain disorders so that you have a strong support system as well;

10) Don’t be afraid to attend support meetings and advocate for yourself and family;

11) Remember to do all the romantic things you did when dating to keep the relationship lively;

12) Never verbally attack the person with the brain disorder about the disorder;

13) Never physically attack the person with the brain disorder;

14) Be patient, compassionate, and do not feel guilty to have your own social network of friends, hobbies, etc. and manage your own stress;

15) Stay connected with a church family! Valentine’s Day should really be celebrated everyday! My best Valentine’s Gift was the decision to love myself despite a brain disorder. That means being responsible with (Please see Part 3)