{"id":1121,"date":"2015-07-10T14:53:30","date_gmt":"2015-07-10T14:53:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/readthisbeforeyoukillyourself.com\/?p=1121"},"modified":"2015-07-10T14:53:30","modified_gmt":"2015-07-10T14:53:30","slug":"becoming-a-health-advocate-for-your-loved-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mydepressionzone.com\/depression-fighter\/becoming-a-health-advocate-for-your-loved-one\/","title":{"rendered":"How to be a health advocate for someone who is suicidal or depressed"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"HowWhat is a health advocate?<\/strong><\/p>\n

A health advocate is someone who has been appointed to help care for and manage the affairs of the sick individual. They do not need to have any medical qualification, just a commitment to help support the sick person.<\/p>\n

Why health advocates are necessary for people with depression<\/b><\/p>\n

Here’s some advice I always give to people who are struggling with major depression, which explains why they need to appoint someone to be a health advocate:<\/p>\n

When you were a kid your mom likely stayed home from work to take care of you when you were sick. \u00a0She made you chicken soup. She bathed you. She wrapped you up in a blanket. She kissed you. \u00a0She was in charge of taking care of you, so you could be in charge of focusing on getting healthy.<\/p>\n

When you\u2019re depressed it\u2019s the same thing. You need help and care from those around you. \u00a0Though, you may be trying to do things yourself because when you don\u2019t have physical symptoms you may think it\u2019s up to you to “pull yourself together”.<\/p>\n

Depression is neurological disorder. \u00a0You need to heal even if you can\u2019t see that you need to heal. Give yourself time.<\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve been labeled with a mental illness you can seen as \u201cunreliable\u201d and \u201cunstable\u201d in the eyes of the world. \u00a0Mood irregularity is a symptom and so, sometimes people think you can\u2019t be trusted, and you may not be seeing things for what they really are. \u00a0Whether it\u2019s true or not, this is what many people think and believe. That includes professionals.<\/p>\n

If you appoint yourself or ask for permission to be a health advocate for your loved one, here are some of the crucial roles you’ll need to play:<\/b><\/p>\n

Character alibi:<\/b>\u00a0Vouch for their character and help explain their actions. This will help professionals understand what is “normal” behavior for them.<\/p>\n

Safety monitor: <\/b>You’ll need to keep an eye on them.\u00a0Call and check on them frequently. Make sure they are safe. Ensure their environment is safe.<\/p>\n

Someone to talk to who will listen and be supportive: \u00a0<\/b>Sometimes they need to vent or share their pain with someone. It helps you get it out. And being listened to and understood can make them feel less alone.<\/p>\n

A second in command<\/b>: You can take over and perform specific tasks when they aren\u2019t able to. You can do things like: Pick their kids up and drive them to school, deliver a meal, or, take your dogs for walk.<\/p>\n

Finance manager:<\/b> When you\u2019re sick unfortunately the bills you have to pay don\u2019t go away. You can help them reduce their costs, communicate with credit collectors and banks, or, pay bills and make trips to the back. You might also help financially (but only if you’d like to and are able to, and don’t expect anything in return).<\/p>\n

Spokesperson:<\/b>\u00a0You can talk for the when they can’t.<\/p>\n