Often an individual’s mental state and emotional well-being aren’t the primary focus of a treatment plan and therefore can become an after-thought, or worse, neglected. Discussions regarding the physical symptoms of the disease, possible therapies, and medications and their side effects, all take center stage, while in the background, insidious debilitating mental illness can fester, bringing with it fear and hopelessness. Family members need to be vigilant in monitoring their loved one’s emotional and mental state and seek help at the first signs of trouble.

Chronic pain or illness takes a toll not only on the individual but on the entire family as well. Watching a loved one struggle with a debilitating disease is extremely difficult and emotionally draining. Feelings of helplessness, confusion, isolation, and even guilt, can overwhelm family members, and in worst-case scenarios, destroy the family unit. However, there are resources available that can help alleviate these negative forces. Find Neuro Help understands the seriousness of these challenges and dedicates to ensuring that patients and their family members have access to professionals that can help overcome them and live an abundant life despite a neurological disease.

The most important factor, in helping a loved one with a neurological disease deal with their mental health and well-being, is to provide them with opportunities for open and ongoing communication. Although they may not be exhibiting any symptoms of emotional or mental distress, asking them how they are feeling, and then attentively listening, provides them with the opportunity to share what’s going on, and how they are dealing with the disease and treatment plan. This keeps the lines of communication open and can serve as a reality check, and early warning sign, if all is not well.

In addition, individual family members also need to be able to openly communicate and share the emotions brought on by their loved one’s neurological condition. Their mental health and well-being can become neglected, as attention is primarily focused on the needs of the chronically ill individual. The availability of professional counseling and mental health professionals, that they can reach out to, can be an important component in maintaining the entire family’s mental health and well-being.

Of all the emotions that are felt by the chronically ill, and their family members, it is most important that the following be carefully monitored:

• Grief – When a neurological diagnosis is made, grief is usually very common. It is also manifested when the individual has a relapse, or when their ability to function deteriorates.

In the beginning, grief can look a lot like depression, and can be misdiagnosed as such. Feelings of sadness, trouble concentrating, sleeping, eating, and a withdrawal from social interactions, usually accompany grief. However, a key difference between depression and grief is that with grief, the symptoms usually resolve themselves and the individual re-engages with others and the daily activities of life. Although the process may take time, there is a steady progression back to the way one was before.

• Depression and anxiety – When sadness is unrelenting and is accompanied by loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness, patients and families should be thinking in terms of depression. It is important to note that depression is an unhealthy condition that requires professional attention.

With a depressed mood, life seems not worth living, and thoughts of death and suicide may be unrelenting. Appetite and sleep diminish or increase, it becomes hard to concentrate and think clearly, energy is sapped, and nothing is interesting or pleasurable. Some people suffer from guilt and shame or become preoccupied with physical symptoms and aches and pains. Difficulty adhering to treatment, moodiness, and irritability are not uncommon, nor are social isolation, withdrawal, and self-medication with alcohol and drugs.

Anxiety may co-exist with a depressed mood or can be a separate disorder. It can be expressed as tension, apprehension or fear, or worry and rumination. Many believe that depression and anxiety are on a continuum. Persistent worry, panicky feelings, and preoccupation with physical sensations can suggest an anxiety disorder. Like depression, anxiety may occur at diagnosis, with relapses, when disability increases, and with job loss or strain in a marriage or family. Both depression and anxiety, if left untreated, pose a significant risk to an individual’s health and well-being.

Tragically, the suicide rate among those with neurological diseases is higher than that of the general population. This is because depression is often underdiagnosed and/or inadequately treated. The risk factors for suicide by individuals with a neurological disease include social isolation, income loss, and increased disability as their condition progresses. In addition to depression, anxiety and substance abuse can also increase the risk of suicide.

Communication is a significant mitigating factor in preventing suicide. Unfortunately, many people avoid discussing the topic, in fear of inciting it. Asking a person if they have been thinking about committing suicide does not cause them to do so. Instead, talking about suicide is essential to its prevention, and usually brings great relief to the patient and the family.