| As much as we may want to , we can't make | | | | choose not to take their medications. As a concerned |
| someone else's decisions for them. Most of us can | | | | person this is difficult to see, but most times a |
| distinguish "good" choices from "bad" choices. For | | | | mentally ill person bent on a course of action will not |
| example we know it is better to exercise than to be | | | | listen to you rationally. |
| a couch potato. We know that choosing to smoke is | | | | The laws in my state do not allow involuntary |
| a poor choice. | | | | commitment for mental illness unless they are |
| If someone makes the wrong choice, we do not | | | | declared to be a threat to themselves or someone |
| have to "rescue" them by covering for them or | | | | else. This leaves a long way between making bad |
| making sacrifices to see they have what they lost | | | | choices and being a threat to yourself or others. |
| due to a bad decision. In fact letting the person reap | | | | As a caregiver, family member or friend of a mentally |
| the consequences of a bad choice will most times | | | | ill individual keep your perspective. Realize they are |
| have the effect of choosing more wisely the next | | | | making their choices, that you are not responsible for |
| time. | | | | their choices, and that no matter how much you fret |
| When a person has a mental illness they may not be | | | | and worry you are not going to change that. Be |
| making good choices due to their state of mind. | | | | there for support and act immediately if there is a |
| They may choose to take the money they need for | | | | threat, but do not feel guilty for letting the chips fall |
| essentials and go gambling. They may go out in the | | | | as they may. |
| winter not dressed for the weather. They may | | | | |