Understanding and caring for someone with ill-mental health - 2 books to read

On world mental health day I thought I would share two books that I have found useful as a resource to understanding and caring for someone with ill-mental health:

1. Reasons to stay alive - Matt Haig

Specifically:

page 46 and 86 - examples of symptons and warning signs?

page 120 - how to be there for someone with depression or anxiety?

page 202 - an extensive list of reasons to stay alive from those with depression

2. The boy between - Josiah Hartley and Amanda Prowse

Specifically:

page 77 - the honest frustrations of a carer learning about the illness. Don't feel bad if you feel this yourself however do your best to learn how to manage

page 81 - a take on not trying to cure each sympton you see (mental health does not just appear above the shoulders) but taking a 30k ft view of the situation

page 145 - a reminder that no one owes an apology who is unwell. The illness controls the individual's thoughts not them

page 188 - explaining why constantly making suggestions to help them recovery might not be helpful

page 262 - similar to Matt Haig, a helpful list of how to support someone with the illness

I felt that an overriding message from both books for those caring for someone with depression or anxiety was to:

• Remember that you are needed, and appreciated, even if it seems you are not
• Slow down, be there for them and be patient
• Have someone to speak to about any feelings you have as it will be a different experience
• Educate yourself
• Appreciate that you and them are not alone?
• Tough love does not work