Over the past few months, there has been much media attention focused on former child star Amanda Bynes and her bizarre behavior. She was recently committed to a mental health facility after starting a fire in the driveway of a home in a residential California neighborhood.
Prior to this admittance, much was reported about the fact that her family felt helpless and had to wait until she hit bottom to take action to help her.
Helplessness is a common feeling for those who have loved ones and friends struggling with mental health issues, including addictions. It is also common to hear that there is nothing that can be done if the loved one does not want help. However, this is not necessarily true. The fact is that there is much hope and help available for those who find themselves in this situation.
So…what can you do if you find yourself in a time of waiting for your loved one to accept help?
- First and foremost, take care of yourself – physically, emotionally and spiritually. Focusing on your own self-care helps to take some of the focus off of your loved one’s problems and will also help you to have more strength and clarity to handle the stress of the situation and set good boundaries.
- Make good use of outside supports such as NAMI, Al-Anon, ACOA, Nar-anon, Celebrate Recovery, church groups, counselors, family and friends.
- Educate yourself on your loved one’s illness and treatments available.
- Consider the possibility of an intervention.
In addition to the above, remember that you are not alone. Just like you may be waiting for your loved one to seek help, God is waiting on you to come to Him. “So the Lord must wait for you to come to him so he can show you his love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for his help.” (Isaiah 30:18 NLT). God is waiting for you…so what are you waiting for?
