by Sheila Morrison

• Remember that mental illness makes it very hard to initiate routine activities.  And even when they are initiated it may be hard to complete a task. 
• If someone decides to walk to the store but only gets halfway, that is SUCCESS!  “Good for you for putting on your coat and heading out the door!  A little vitamin D is great.”
• Look for success often and say “I’m so proud of you for (answering the phone, knowing when to take a break, helping me with supper ideas).
• Writing is therapeutic.  As a family member, a diary can help you remember events, but writing from the heart about how you feel about something actually makes you healthier and you will feel better.  Write for ten minutes a page that begins “Something that really bothers me is…..”.   (This is not writing that you will share with others.)

by Sheila Morrison

• Remember that mental illness makes it very hard to initiate routine activities.  And even when they are initiated it may be hard to complete a task. 
• If someone decides to walk to the store but only gets halfway, that is SUCCESS!  “Good for you for putting on your coat and heading out the door!  A little vitamin D is great.”
• Look for success often and say “I’m so proud of you for (answering the phone, knowing when to take a break, helping me with supper ideas).
• Writing is therapeutic.  As a family member, a diary can help you remember events, but writing from the heart about how you feel about something actually makes you healthier and you will feel better.  Write for ten minutes a page that begins “Something that really bothers me is…..”.   (This is not writing that you will share with others.)