Friends, Family & Carers Forum

[Lauz]

@Shaz51 this is a great way to apply the knowledge you have found through your research. Gently approaching your loved one when you can with the information is a useful skill. 

Do you find there are certain times that are easier to communicate these suggestions with your partner? Do you notice for instance that its easier to reflect and share when they are in a slightly better headspace? 

[menundi83]

I've just managed to log on here, and trying to work through the discussion posts, but I'm really keen to know if anyone has any experience with some sort of "intervention" with a loved one that didn't want help? Do these sorts of things actually happen, and can they work??

[Shaz51]

Yes @Lauz I find there are certain times that are easier to communicate these suggestions with my  partner, but also not too much , too quickly

it is easier to reflect and share when they are in a slightly better headspace, very true @Lauz, I have tried printing the information out , but he wont read anything , so bit by bit over time I have suggested things but then I have to keep suggesting the same things over again

[Shaz51]

way to go @sbmc

[Lauz]

Hi @menundi83 - unforuntaely we are finishing up but I am glad you got online! In terms of intervention you may find it useful to look through the broader forums and even post your question to the community to get feedback 

[Lauz]

It is time to wrap up everyone, but I want to thank you all for sharing and being open to ideas and thoughts on this subject area – it is not an easy one and I know it can be easy to say but in action can be hard to play out.

We have discussed a lot of challenges tonight and I just wanted to say how amazing you all are for getting involved tonight and finding out ways to help both yourself and your loved one.

Is there one thing from tonight you can take away and try to apply to your current situation? Maybe make it a goal this week!

I’ve referenced a few quotes and there are some more great resources on this subject, including previous Topic Tuesdays we have done! So, I will leave this list here for you all for some further reading when you feel like it.

[Lauz]

RESOURCES

Other articles about helping someone when they don’t want help:

• blog from psychologytoday
• Some nice insights from the Tiny Buddha site  
• Thoughtcatalog blog that was referenced earlier tonight 
• Good one for young people and parents from reachout
• Previous Topic Tuesday we did on setting boundaries
• A bit about listening skills
• A previous Topic Tuesday we did with Mind Australia around this subject
• A useful Q&A with young people from headspace - what if a young person doesn't want help?

[sbmc]

Thanks @Shaz51! I was just scrolling through to reply to your post about finding the right times to share what you know with your husband. It seems like you’re working really hard and respectfully to share in a way that works best for him. Such a challenging skill! Way to go to you too!

[Adge]

Thank you @Lauz & everyone.

Much appreciated.

1) Working on, & continuing to work on healthy boundaries (that's a work in progress).

2) Listening Skills.

3) Doing helpful Research.

That's what I will take away with me...

Adge

[menundi83]

Hi @Gaye1, I'd love to know the answer to your first question! The healthcare system here (I'm in NSW) seems quite flawed. A couple of times we've managed to get my sister close to a professional (GP's and Beyond Blue helpline), and they haven't taken her situation seriously 😞