Dealing with a friend or loved one who continually displays challenging behaviors can be frustrating and exhausting. It is hard to emotionally and physically deal with individuals who have a mental illness, are consumed with substance abuse or deal with other conditions. Many find being around these individuals uncomfortable, partly since they aren’t sure how to help or what to say. Here are a few tips to help keep situations manageable.
Start With Professional Help
Depending on the individual, the behaviors or challenges may require the intervention of integrated services Boston MA professionals can provide. At times, the scope of the activities is far beyond what you can safely handle, and it may be best to allow therapies and professional services to work with an individual to achieve some progress. However, these services are temporary, and learning how to deal with individuals in other environments is still important.
Use Preventative Measures
You can use prevention to potentially ward off trigger situations for individuals who have a difficult time managing their emotions or behaviors. Many times, an individual will react out of a physical, mental or emotional condition that they are experiencing that you may not be aware of. Making sure that an individual is fed when they are hungry, dressed appropriately, continually kept in conversation or tried to be included in activities can help prevent outbursts.
Control Your Own Actions
If you are tired and at your wit’s end, it can be tempting to respond to their behaviors in a similar manner, but this will only escalate the situation. Remain calm in both your speech and posture but speak confidently and empathetically. Acknowledge their feelings and remain open to their thoughts and perception of the incident.
It can be a challenge trying to figure out how to help someone who struggles with their behaviors, but educating yourself on the condition and appropriate responses is the first step. Over time, you can help them succeed in demonstrating appropriate responses.
