1. Start by saying hello; people with a severe and persistent mental illness may be just as afraid of you as you are of them.
2. Learn more about severe and persistent mental illnesses and mental illnesses in general.
3. Ask how you can help.
4. Learn to separate the illness from the person; remember
people living with severe and persistent mental illnesses
are more then their illness.
5. Invite a person with a mental illness to participate in activities/offer to run errands, cook a meal, and go shopping with or for them.
6. Offer to provide a space in your church for a support meeting.
7. Be familiar with mental health resources in your area and
refer as needed. (Log onto http://www.igbatt.com for resource information)
8. Offer assistance to family members or other loved ones.
9. Encourage a person living with a mental illness to obtain regular physicals.
10. Let them know that God loves and cares for them and then let the love of God show through you.
11. Exercise the gift of patience.
12. Don’t assume that all mental illnesses are demonic in nature.
13. Understand that the functioning level and needs of people living with a mental illness may vary with the type of illness and the symptoms of their illness. Be prepared to adjust your level of support as their needs change.
14. Pray before you speak.
15. Understand that living with a person with a severe and persistent mental illness or mental illness in general can be difficult so please do not forget to provide support to them as well.
16. A person living with a severe and persistent mental illness may not be able to tell you directly that something is bothering them but escalations in symptoms may be a clue. Talk to them, ask them what is wrong, and then be prepared to listen.

IGBATTMHO