Advice to Caregivers

15 Things Anyone Who Loves A Woman with Anxiety Should Know

This is a really great article with a LOT of truth to it! I apologize for the few swearwords. Anxiety is such a real, scary thing.  If someone you love is dealing with it right now, these are a good 15 things to be aware of!

15 Things Anyone Who Loves a Woman with Anxiety Should Know

What many people may not realize is that when it comes to depression and anxiety, it isn't just the individual who is suffering. The people who take care of those dealing with mental illnesses are also going through terrible pain as they watch someone they love seemingly shrivel before their eyes.  It is excruciating to watch one whom you care so deeply about be in so much pain and feeling like there is nothing you can do about it.  But let me tell you something.... you CAN do something about it. And even though it may seem like your efforts aren't producing any progress, I promise you, speaking from experience, that to just know that you have someone there for you... who loves you no matter what, can sometimes be just enough to save a life. 

The truth of the matter is, even if you have done all that you can possibly think of to help your loved one, they have to do their part too. That's why it is so important to encourage them, NEVER give up on them and ALWAYS stay by their side. 

• In October 2012 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, an member of the quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, gave a talk about depression. I loved everything he said that was geared towards the individuals suffering from mental illnesses, but I also loved what he had to say to those caring for the suffering. Here are some segments from his talk that are geared towards the caregivers:

"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love? Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. Believe in miracles. I have seen so many of them come when every other indication would say that hope was lost. Hope is never lost. If those miracles do not come soon or fully or seemingly at all, remember the Savior’s own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead."

If you are the one afflicted or a caregiver to such, try not to be overwhelmed with the size of your task. Don’t assume you can fix everything, but fix what you can. If those are only small victories, be grateful for them and be patient. Dozens of times in the scriptures, the Lord commands someone to “stand still” or “be still”—and wait. ⁶ Patiently enduring some things is part of our mortal education."

"For caregivers, in your devoted effort to assist with another’s health, do not destroy your own. In all these things be wise. Do not run faster than you have strength. ⁷ Whatever else you may or may not be able to provide, you can offer your prayers and you can give “love unfeigned.” ⁸ “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; … [it] beareth all things, … hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth.” 

"I testify of the holy Resurrection, that unspeakable cornerstone gift in the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ! With the Apostle Paul, I testify that that which was sown in corruption will one day be raised in incorruption and that which was sown in weakness will ultimately be raised in power. ¹¹I bear witness of that day when loved ones whom we knew to have disabilities in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfect and finally “free at last.” ¹² Until that hour when Christ’s consummate gift is evident to us all, may we live by faith, hold fast to hope, and show “compassion one of another,” ¹³ I pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

~Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

This whole talk is amazing and I encourage you to read the whole thing if you have the chance. Click below for the link to the whole talk:

Like A Broken Vessel