Not-So-Happy Holidays? How to Manage with SMI in the Family

What if, for families coping with SMI (serious mental illness) in a loved one, the holiday season is "the most difficult time of the year"?

The 3 Moms Discuss - Holidays past, in joy, crisis or grief - and how we currently celebrate what is...the best we can.

Some tips we share:

• Lower Holiday expectations and Marketing Myths (e.g., perfect holidays)
• Plan Ahead - even for possible disaster
• Have a Plan B - and maybe C, D...
• Include Your Loved One as Much as Possible, Especially if They Can Help
• Don't Let the "Unsqueaky Wheels" feel ignored
• Cherish the Good Moments - Find the Positives
• Be Willing to Change Traditions as Needed
• Set and Enforce Limits  - Know Your Boundaries
• Imagine How it Is for Your Loved One
• Family Love Matters - You Do Make a Difference

Happy (and Realistic) Holidays to You All!

Want to Share Your Story in a Voice message?
https://benbehindhisvoices.com/tell-us-your-story/

Resources:
Look Again Podcast: https://www.bcss.org/lookagain/
Tips from NAMI: https://www.nami.org/Blogs/From-the-CEO/December-2021/The-Most-Difficult-Time-of-The-Year-Mental-Health-During-the-Holidays


Mindy and her book: https://mindygreiling.com/

Randye and her book: https://benbehindhisvoices.com/

Miriam and her book: https://www.miriam-feldman.com/