<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Just the word &ldquo;boundaries&rdquo; can be interpreted many different ways, all of which imply that they need to be addressed differently.&nbsp; This is half the truth.&nbsp; In reality, boundaries play a huge role in mental health and are understood differently&nbsp; However, the enforcement of those boundaries -- whatever they may turn out to be -- is standard.&nbsp;</p> <p>What does enforcement of boundaries look like?</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Interestingly, enforcement of boundaries often takes the form of a confrontation.&nbsp; However, this is from the point of view of the person who is being &ldquo;put in their place&rdquo; rather than the one doin then enforcing.&nbsp; This is not a bad thing, but it can often be a roadblock to those who are apprehensive about it.&nbsp; As such, proper preparation is crucial to be successful.</p> <p>How to enforce boundaries</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; From one situation to another, and from one relationship to another, these are general tips to aid in enforcing boundaries professionally and with as much respect for both parties as possible.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Have a clear understanding of what the boundaries should be:</strong> The first step to enforcing boundaries is understanding what they should be.&nbsp; This will depend on the relationship and the role that it has on someone&rsquo;s mental health.&nbsp; While these can be developed with some support from specialists, it will be important that they are the choice, and decision of the person enforcing them.&nbsp; Boundaries are very personal, after all.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Focus on the importance of enforcing them:</strong> Before the actual conversation where you enforce those boundaries, each person should take the time to understand why enforcing those boundaries is so important.&nbsp; Without understanding their importance, many are not able to &ldquo;stand the heat&rdquo; if the situation gets testy.&nbsp; This will help stabilize and affirm the decisions.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Keep the conversation focused:</strong> Using the <a href="https://ascellus.com/learn-the-broken-record-technique/">broken record technique</a>, you will want to keep the conversation on track, gently guiding it back to the issue at hand when the other person starts to take over.&nbsp; This keeps the focus on the important tasks that are being brought up.</li> </ul> <ul> <li><strong>Do not back down:</strong> This is challenging in situations where the other person is resisting, but it is a boundary in and of itself.&nbsp; You must stay strong when others try to push you down because you are saying to them that this boundary and this conversation are both important.&nbsp; Success will look different for each person, but it will help to make the conversation go over well.</li> </ul> <p>Boundaries are important</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Whether someone is struggling with mental health or not, boundaries are crucial to mehal health in general.&nbsp; From parent to child, child to parent, between friends, partners, roommates, and even patients and specialists.&nbsp; Whatever relationship is out there, boundaries have an important role to play.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enforcing boundaries is not often talked about as much as understanding them, but the enforcement itself can be a huge undertaking.&nbsp; Regardless of the situation or the context, enforcing boundaries plays a big role in mental health and will be integral to long-term, healthy relationships of any kind, both personally and professionally.</p> <p>Sources</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sane.org/information-stories/the-sane-blog/caring-for-others/boundary-setting-and-mental-illness">https://www.sane.org/information-stories/the-sane-blog/caring-for-others/boundary-setting-and-mental-illness</a></li> <li><a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries">https://psychcentral.com/lib/10-way-to-build-and-preserve-better-boundaries</a></li> <li><a href="https://ascellus.com/learn-the-broken-record-technique/">https://ascellus.com/learn-the-broken-record-technique/</a></li> </ul>