Persons with mental illness might have social skills deficits such as an inability to express their thoughts, feelings and emotions appropriately. More than 54 million Americans have mental illness in any given year, although fewer than 8 million seek treatment. In our society, there is a powerful negative stigma attached to mental illness, especially the more severe forms, like schizophrenia. They can overreact and have a temper tantrum. Depending on the individual's or family’s needs and requirements, the individuals are trained either in generic social skills such as greeting someone, or making a request, and specific social skills which are work-related, such as assertiveness, negotiation skills, grooming, interaction skills with employers and colleagues. Also, try to be a good observer and see what kind of communication skills work best with your relative and try to use those skills more frequently. If you allow your relative to harass and belittle you, you will not be giving them a good message. You need to be mindful of your relative’s symptoms and understand what is going on in their head so that you can tailor your remarks when communicating with them. Apply the teaching techniques that work well with each individual and tailor how you teach to suit her needs. When you communicate with them, it is important not to give in to their negative outlook. By speaking in short, and simple sentences which have clarity, they are able to process your communication more effectively. You may be able to have an influence on these feelings when you demonstrate your positive regard for them. Families play an important role in being the first to identify social skill deficits. Reference: The Family Intervention Guide to Mental Illness by Bodie Morey, Kim T. Mueser, Ph.D, Previous Post Technique of Rational Problem Solving, Next Post How to Develop Healthy Boundaries in Codependent Relationship, Anxiety Disorders Depression Stress Management Treatment, Great article and very helpful. 6. However, in rehabilitation settings where the group is more or less homogeneous in language or level of skill deficits, the training is done in a group, involving a facilitator. Living with a person with mental illness can take a lot of energy from you. If you feel that you have to say something, keep it simple and short. When communicating with a person with mental illness, it is important to refrain from giving long explanations and using too many words. When you reflect on feelings, they are able to listen to you. Simply saying that you love them, makes them feel that they are accepted for who they are and they do not feel so lonely and unsupported. It is easier for your relative to understand you when you present a calm composure. Mental illness can affect how people perceive and respond to others. Speak Calmly Without getting too Excited or Emotionally Laden. It is better to have successful communication than having destructive and over productive communication with poor quality. Don’t allow yourself to be hassled in conversation with your relative. Addressing social skill deficits in persons with mental illness is an essential component in the treatment process.". Try to convey your message in a calm manner with a pleasant body language so that you deliver respect and calmness in your words and tone of language. Be Positive and Show Unconditional Positive Regard. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how to improve mental health through cognitive healing. In summary, it is very important to show sensitivity and empathy to your relative who is suffering from some kind of mental illness. The skills needed to speak in front of an audience and hold a room are different from those needed to solve a problem or engage in a group discussion. To reduce the gap between training and real-world application, the individuals need opportunities, encouragement, and reinforcement for practicing the skills in relevant situations. These questions are perceived as interrogation and the person gets defensive and argumentative. The authors note that life skills are still a simple and easy way that has the potential to make great benefits for people who are almost disabled by mental health problems. What Do Movies Get Wrong about Mental Illness. VA Social Skills Training (VA-SST) for Serious Mental Illness. One person with disabiilties can have stronger skills in certain areas than another person with disabilities. This plain language summary has been prepared by Ben Gray of Rethink Mental Illness: Benjamin Gray, Service User and Service User Expert, Rethink Mental Illness. Sometimes symptoms of the mental illness, such as anxiety, may interfere with the utilization of the skill. While doing so, it is important to see if the person is comfortable. However, communication about barriers to care for people who might be violent produces … Avoid Arguments and Heated Communication. By staying calm when they are upset, you role model for them and also facilitate effective communication and reduce the stress level of your relative. Don’t take it personally. In this context, it is also important to note that criticism, and expression of hostility can back fire. Mental illness in a family can affect every one who lives with the person. If you notice a discomfort level, and a negative response to your tactic, then try to refrain from using them in the future. For people who are suffering from mental illness need to be listened to and it helps them in their healing process. For example, “ I am glad to hear that you joined the support group.”. Assertive statements like, “I feel angry when you try to verbally abuse me. Stating facts is okay but when you load your conversation with intense emotions, they get confused and are likely to over react too. If your relative tunes you out, it is not because of rudeness but it could be very symptomatic. Many research studies have shown the relationship of cognitive deficits such as poor attention, incoherent speech, difficulty in learning and retaining information, to the social functioning of persons with mental illness. These tasks are taught and rehearsed in an individual setting through role-modeling, role plays, videos and followed by feedback and assignments. Many psychotic people are going through a jumble of ideas at one time and it is constantly running in their head. They tend to over generalize and believe that no one loves them. They needs to be heard, not dismissed. This article has been written based on inputs given by Dr Poornima Bhola, associate professor of clinical psychology, NIMHANS, {"imported-card-id":"7c8a7c12-72b7-4f8a-b88f-fbd7f1681df9","card-share":{"shareable":false}}. People with mental illness could be experiencing auditory hallucinations, overwhelming feelings of depression, intense anxiety, mistaken beliefs and cognitive disorganization. Communication is the key factor in interaction and if you lack empathy and sensitivity, you can unknowingly hurt the feelings of your loved one who is suffering mental illness. The Albert Ellis Institute in New York defines social skills as the skill or ability to facilitate interactions, recognize and reciprocate emotional cues from others, and communicate with others in various social situations. Many of these folks have been traumatized in the past and have lost their trust. Accept what the person is presenting without interrupting and feeling compelled to offer your viewpoint. These symptoms can interfere with their ability to engage in rational discussion. Social skills training can be done in both an individual and a group setting.