Staying Well with Mental Illness

When you have a mental illness, you may not realize how important your overall health is to your recovery. Having poor overall health can get in the way and make recovery harder. Finding ways to take care of your health can aid your recovery and help you feel better overall. Here are some things you can do.

Slow down and take one thing at a time. If you feel like you have too much to do, make a list and work on it one task at a time.

Know your limits. Let others know, them too. If you’re overwhelmed at home or work, or with friends, learn how to say “no.” It may be hard at first, so practice saying “no” with the people you trust most.

Coping with Suicide Loss

Even though it may seem difficult, maintaining contact with other people is especially important during the stress-filled months after a loved one’s suicide. When you feel ready, begin to go on with your life. Children experience many of the feelings of adult grief, and are particularly vulnerable to feeling abandoned and guilty. Reassure them that the death was not their fault. Listen to their questions, and try to offer honest, straightforward, age-appropriate answers.