Making the decision to seek out residential treatment is a major life decision. When someone chooses to put the rest of their life on hold, they are making a monumental choice. Entering treatment is not a vacation. Undergoing a full day’s schedule of therapy, healing, and treatment modalities is like a full time job for the potentially three months of more someone might be in treatment. During that time, they will be digging into their past, evaluating their present, setting goals for their future, and processing a volume of emotions. Treatment is a fragile time. Loved ones of those in treatment don’t want to do anything to potentially interrupt the flow and benefit of treatment. Despite the fact that someone is treatment, life does go on. Life on life’s terms can often come with bad news. If you have bad news you have to deliver to a loved one who is in treatment for trauma, addiction, or related mental health issues, there are some thoughts to consider and proven ways to approach the conversation.
First, think about whether the bad news is critical to deliver at this point in time. If the news is not something that is urgent and involves personal action, it may not be the best time to tell your loved one. You might feel that it is necessary to tell them because they have the right to know about what is going on. If you have permissions, you might be able to contact their therapist and discuss the right time and method of telling your loved one, if telling them is necessary.
A study from Brigham Young University found that people actually prefer to be given bad news straight, without any beating around the bush. When bad news is on the table, it is best to just lay the information out as simply as possible. People in the study reported that they felt less upset by bad news when the news was told to them plainly.
During treatment, your loved one is gaining emotional resilience. They are learning how to identify and take responsibility for their own emotions. Part of that includes being able to receive bad news and deal with it appropriately without turning to self-defeating behaviors. If they do turn to old behaviors, they will have to recognize that the choice was their own and recuperate accordingly.
Recovery from trauma, addictions, and mental health should be catered to the unique needs of your story. Everyone has a story before treatment. When you come to The Guest House Ocala we meet you exactly where you are and help you get to where you want to be in life- mind, body, and spirit.
Call us today for information on life at the estate and all of our programs of treatment: 1-855-483-7800