The reality of love and brain disorders is that spouses or mates must accept the brain disorder and not fear it or the stigmas. Here are some tips to help a mate or spouse of a person with a brain disorder:
1) Learn everything you possibly can about the brain disorder from the individual and do your own research to determine what you can handle;
2) Ask healthcare professionals even the silliest questions;
3) Respect the dignity and privacy of the person with the brain disorder;
4) Keep communication honest and open;
5) Be supportive and encouraging of the person with the brain disorder;
6) Understand there will be days when you must take charge and do it lovingly;
7) Delegate house chores to every member of the family for the days when the person with the brain disorder is faced with health challenges;
8) Know how to cook light meals or keep a list of your favorite fast-food or carry-out restaurants nearby. Smile;
9) Have close family and friends knowledgeable about the brain disorders so that you have a strong support system as well;
10) Don’t be afraid to attend support meetings and advocate for yourself and family;
11) Remember to do all the romantic things you did when dating to keep the relationship lively;
12) Never verbally attack the person with the brain disorder about the disorder;
13) Never physically attack the person with the brain disorder;
14) Be patient, compassionate, and do not feel guilty to have your own social network of friends, hobbies, etc. and manage your own stress;
15) Stay connected with a church family! Valentine’s Day should really be celebrated everyday! My best Valentine’s Gift was the decision to love myself despite a brain disorder. That means being responsible with (Please see Part 3)
Posted By: agnes levine
Saturday, February 6th 2010 at 1:25PM
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