Knowing what to say and how to say it can be one of the most difficult skills to master when working with individuals experiencing altered mental states. Many caregivers provide care to family members who have physical and mental conditions. At times, their family member may display symptoms of depression, threats of suicide, extreme fears that prevent normal activities, and severe anxiety that can be almost as incapacitating. In addition, many encounter situations where family members experience hallucinations or delusions. They see, hear or believe things that are not real to anyone except their family member who strongly believes them to be right in the room with them.
For caregivers, these situations are more than just difficult; they are frightening and can be dangerous to the safety of the caregiver and family member if not handled correctly. “Interpersonal Skills” provides insights into some of the more common mental health conditions as background information plus gives examples of ways to handle some of the more difficult situations caregivers might encounter.
Sundowning Sundowning Confusion Starts in Early Afternoon Sundowning comes by its name because it’s a behavior seen in many dementia patients around the time the sun goes down each day in the late afternoon or evening hours. In most cases, symptoms are less pronounced earlier in the day. As the day progresses toward […]
Hallucinations and Delusions Seem Real Hallucinations and delusions can both occur with mental illness, including dementia (Alzheimer’s.) In fact, some people even hallucinations or delusions with infections, after anesthesia, with serious illnesses, or as a side effect of medications. Therefore, you can’t assume that if your family member doesn’t have
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Handling Challenging Behaviors and Emotions What is the best way to deal with family members when they act out in a way that is not safe or inappropriate for the situation? The following videos series produced by UCLA provides examples of one way you might approach the situation. Thanks to UCLA for allowing me
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What is Autism Spectrum Disorder? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. The exact causes are unknown but research shows influencing factors to include genetic conditions, as well as, environmental, chemical, and other factors. Wide Spectrum of Abilities and Limitations Individuals with autism look like
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Conduct Disorders As you might guess, “Conduct Disorders” are mental health conditions related to problem behaviors. There are three primary groups. Conduct and Oppositional Defiant Disorders Schizophrenia Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders including attention deficit disorders Two out of the three groups begin in childhood. The third appears in either child or adulthood. Group One
Mood Related Disorders As the name suggests, people with Mood-Related Disorders have difficulty with emotions. The most common conditions known are Depression and Bipolar Disorder. Depression describes a broad range of conditions where the individual has negative, heavy feelings of loss and sadness, anxiety, emptiness, low self-esteem, and a bleak outlook on life. In contrast,
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Eating Disorders Can Be Fatal Though more common among women, eating disorders affect both sexes, often affecting multiple people in the same family. Therefore, research believes there may be a genetic component associated with it. Those who suffer from eating disorders have distorted body images leading to an obsession with weight loss. The methods used
Anxiety Disorders You hear people saying that they have anxiety or that they are nervous. Does that mean they have an anxiety disorder? No way! The type of anxiety people who have anxiety disorders live with every day takes over their lives. It’s disabling. No matter where you go or what you do, there is
Dementia Dementia is the broad term used to describe all the diseases and conditions associated with memory disorders. It may affect any age group but is more common in the elderly, which is where it is often mistaken for senility. In addition, trauma, stroke, and medical conditions like infection or drug reactions, can lead to
Understanding Mental Health Disorders Mental Health Disorders Rising Each year: One in 24 people lives with a serious mental illness. In addition, we know of one in 12 people who admit to a diagnosis of a substance abuse disorder; however, many more may exist. Currently, Alzheimer’s Dementia affects one in 10 people. According to
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