Posted on 2022-03-23 1:00 AM By ConnexOntario
Addiction is a disease. Even when we understand that, it can be difficult to talk openly about. Yet communicating effectively during this time is crucial. That’s why this article explores how to talk openly about addiction.
OUR LANGUAGE
When we treat addiction as the disease it is, it changes our language. We’re framing it as a health issue, showing respect to the person suffering from addiction as well as their family.
Compare the language you use when talking about addiction to how you would speak about asthma (for example). You wouldn’t define a person as “asthmatic” or use it when introducing them. In your mind, they are “a person with asthma”. The same should be true for a person with “a substance use disorder”.
The word “addict” perpetuates the negative stigma associated with their illness. These terms bring shame and negative judgment, instead of the support they need. When we reshape our language, it allows a person sufferin ...
Posted on 2021-05-05 12:19 PM By ConnexOntario
Heart-wrenching is a good adjective to describe how difficult it is to watch a loved one struggle with symptoms of mental illness. It’s impossible to know the best way to support the individual, as every person and situation are different. Whether your loved one has a specific diagnosis, or is simply going through a difficult time, it’s hard to understand the best way to show support. With this guide, we hope to offer tips for helping a loved one with their mental health.
WARNING SIGNS
Chances are, if you’re concerned about someone’s mental health, it’s because they’re behaving in a way that’s different or worrisome. The following are common signs you may recognize as someone needing help:
Sleep, appetite, or mood changes.
Withdrawal, such as a lack of interest in social or previously enjoyed activities.
Slowly ceasing to function; no longer fulfilling duties at work or school or at home. This may come across as apathy, or a loss of initi ...