Intervention Strategies for Managing

Mental illness can ravage a person, as well as her loved ones. Proper medical care, education and support systems are vital. If a mental illness goes untreated, or even if the patient is in treatment and under medication, there can arise a need for an intervention. An intervention provides assistance to mitigate possible mental, physical and emotional distress, including suicide. There are various intervention strategies for managing mental health.

Parenting

• If the patient is a parent, that strategy can be used as part of the intervention. Part of it should include an evaluation of parenting goals, needs and strength. Also, parent-support mentoring, pregnancy decisions, prenatal health care and even understanding child development and behavior are part of this strategy. If the parent has faced issues with foster care, custody loss or visitation, there is a legal component that should be addressed as part of the intervention. If inpatient care is something imminent, the care of the child must be addressed.

Coping Skills

• As interventions often need immediate management and attention, coping skills are an important strategy. Some coping skills to be introduced are journal writing, exercising, relaxation techniques and the use of family support. Family support is important as it allows the patient to be comforted and feel cared-for. Those without family support can be counseled on steps to take to develop a different support system.

Life Skills

• Life skills in particular can be difficult for those suffering from a mental illness. If she has had trouble managing those things and it's critical, an intervention strategy might be to seek out crisis or respite care. Another option is independent living assistance. If he is able to live independently, assisting with life skills such as managing daily cleaning tasks, grocery shopping and getting to appointments can be one strategy for an intervention. Focus on both short-term and long-term goals and actions.