Interpersonal Skills

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.

Language and Speech Disorders in Children

Children Mimic Speech    Children learn language by mimicking what they hear. They pick up language skills best during their early childhood years before age five when their brains grow the most. Parents can help their children learn language skills by Mimicking the baby’s first sounds and gestures back to it helps the baby learn […]

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Parents of special needs children often do not feel comfortable leaving their children in the nursery to attend church services. A special needs program would help families develop a plan with the curch to accommodate their needs so they could be included in services.

Developmental Disabilities with Muscle Weakness

Cerebral Palsy   Cerebral Palsy is a term used to describe several childhood motor disabilities that affect movement (manner of walking/gait), balance (coordination of movement), and posture (muscle tone). Cerebral refers to the brain’s cerebrum, the part of the brain that regulates motor function. Palsy refers to the inability to initiate or control voluntary movement

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Person experiencing a hallucination and delusion thinking that someone is trying to harm her.

Hallucinations

  Hallucinations   Hallucinations occur with mental and physical illnesses, often due to medications, low oxygen, or trauma. Therefore, don’t assume someone has a mental health condition if they start seeing something you don’t see or hearing voices you can’t hear. Waking up within an extended dream state or with hallucinations is one symptom that

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Caregiver being screamed at by man in wheelchair

Approaching Someone Who’s Angry

Approaching Someone Who Is Angry   When someone with dementia or a mental illness is angry, they may not think clearly. Therefore, it is essential to use caution when approaching if they show signs of aggression. In addition, their actions may be unpredictable. Even close relatives may not recognize you and believe you are a

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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  1-800-273-TALK (8255)   Tips on How to Respond Quickly If Suicide Plans Are In Process If you feel that your family member or friend has a plan in progress about how to commit suicide, you need to take immediate action to help them. Therefore, evaluate the danger to the person and

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Myths About Suicidal Thoughts

Myths About Suicidal Thoughts   People who talk about suicide won’t really do it.Almost everyone who commits suicide has given some clue or warning in advance. So don’t ignore even an indirect reference to death or suicide.  Statements like, “You’ll be sorry when I’m gone,” “I can’t see any way out” –even if someone claims

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