Do you ever feel misunderstood? Do you ever find it hard to get through a conversation with someone? It may feel as if the lines of communication were jumbled, leaving you puzzled. No one is at fault if communication modes are not understood and making a conscious effort to improve those interactions is possible. It helps to be aware of the various dynamics that can play out when interacting with others.
There are diverse and unique communication styles. As individuals, we approach one another from a different point of reference based on every stage and every encounter of life. These approaches are a result of how our consciousness moves us through the world, creating analytical, intuitive, functional, and personal communicators, to name a few.
The greatest challenge in any relationship comes down to communication. The difficulties of people relating to one another are universal, and not restricted to interpersonal relationships. All encounters that are filtered through our personal experiences, shaped by our social, and cultural variations, make us unique. This individuality complicates our modes of interaction, increasing the need for improved communication channels.
Clear communication and mutual respect are the cornerstones of any healthy relationship. Often, we are unaware of these varied differences between relationships, which can strain our professional and personal lives.
- Business relationships require open lines of communication, respect, and trust. Based on the setting and the mode of communication, the tone of the conversation may need to be revised and adjusted to ensure the successful transmission of your message. From personal interactions and formal written correspondences, effective communicators are able to build relationships, share ideas, delegate tasks, and manage their workload productively. Set personal goals, be intentional in your nonverbal language, and strive for simplicity when working to improve communication in business relationships.
- Friendships and family relations require varying levels of vulnerability, which can only be established through clear modes of communication. Making a daily effort to become a better listener and improve talking skills can avoid stifling connections.
These key features need to be fostered throughout our development into adulthood. In today’s social climate, honing our communication skills are central to a balanced approach to healthy living. Consider the challenges that we face at various stages of our development regarding how we communicate our needs and desires to others. Now, these difficulties can be compounded by language barriers, personality traits, and mental health conditions that may delay many aspects of clear communication.
Despite the challenges that all relationships face, it is possible to enjoy a healthy dynamic with others, even as one manages a significant mental health illness. The key, which becomes crucially important within the dynamics of mental disorders, is to establish clear boundaries. This ensures that all parties have a clear understanding of those boundaries through unimpeded lines of communication, a two-way process. From reflective listening with the goal of understanding to effective expression ensuring messages do not turn into background noise, communication is crucial to ensure sentiments are heard and feelings are understood.
It is helpful to understand more specifically how a particular illness may complicate communication. It may not be possible for an individual experiencing mental illness to articulate their range of emotions, or to do so in a manner that makes full sense for the person they are trying to communicate with. Language in these instances falls short and perspectives are not clear. Often communication is affected by our emotions and motivations, but by using concise sentences and allowing proper processing time – the information is less likely to get jumbled with the already existing thoughts.
Ketamine Health Centers recommends using the LEAP system when collaborating with someone with mental illness:
- Listen to understand.
- Empathize with how the person feels.
- Agree on goals for both parties.
- Partner to work towards those goals.
Additionally, a mental health professional can help you or loved ones find effective ways to learn or establish new modes of communication within relationships facing mental health challenges. Ketamine Health Centers’ team of counselors and medical professionals offer a wide array of mental health solutions and treatments to assist individuals facing a variety of communication-based challenges. Schedule a free consultation at any of our based clinics today. We are available via virtual, phone, or in-person visits. Our leading mental health team across Florida and Mexico can help you establish clear goals with specific options for alternative modes of treatment. Contact our team today – we are ready when you are.
