5 years ago · Admin · Comments Off on Helping Someone You Love Cope With Mental Illness
Helping Someone You Love Cope With Mental Illness
It can be very difficult, sometimes even heart-wrenching, to see a loved one struggling with symptoms of mental illness. And often it can be hard to understand how to best help and support your loved one cope with mental health problem.
How mental illnesses can affect family and friends?
It’s difficult and overwhelming to be diagnosed with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. It’s also difficult when a loved one is experiencing one of these diseases. When a person is living with a serious mental illness, the whole family may be affected.
How do I know if someone has a mental health problem?
Most often it will seem obvious when someone is going through a hard time, but then, there is no simple way of knowing if they have a mental health problem or if they are suicidal. It’s important to respond sensitively to someone who seems troubled than to find out whether or not they have a diagnosis.
Although certain symptoms are common with specific mental health problems, no two people will show the same symptoms or behave in exactly the same way when they are unwell. If you know the person well, you may notice changes in their behaviour or mood.
How can I help?
There are a number of ways you can help a friend, relative or colleague who has a mental health problem:
Talking about mental health
If you are worried about someone it can be difficult to know what to do. When you are aware there is an issue, it is important not to wait. Waiting and hoping they will come to you for help might lose valuable time in getting them support.
Talking to someone is often the first step to take when you know they are going through a hard time. This way you can find out what is troubling them and what you can do to help.
Eight Tips For Talking About Mental Health
- Set time aside with no distractions
It is important to provide an open and non-judgemental space with no distractions. - Let them share as much or as little as they want to
Let them lead the discussion at their own pace. Don’t put pressure on them to tell you anything they aren’t ready to talk about. Talking can take a lot of trust and courage. You might be the first person they have been able to talk to about this. - Don’t try to diagnose or second guess their feelings
You probably aren’t a medical expert and, while you may be happy to talk and offer support, you aren’t a trained counsellor. Try not to make assumptions about what is wrong or jump in too quickly with your own diagnosis or solutions. - Keep questions open ended
Say “Why don’t you tell me how you are feeling?” rather than “I can see you are feeling very low”. Try to keep your language neutral. Give the person time to answer and try not to grill them with too many questions. - Talk about wellbeing
Exercise, having a healthy diet and taking a break can help protect mental health and sustain wellbeing. Talk about ways of de-stressing and ask if they find anything helpful. - Listen carefully to what they tell you
Repeat what they have said back to them to ensure you have understood it. You don’t have to agree with what they are saying, but by showing you understand how they feel and they are going through; you are letting them know you respect their feelings. - Offer them help in seeking professional support and provide information on ways to do this
You might want to offer to go the GP with them, or help them talk to a friend or family member. Try not to take control and allow them to make decisions. - Know your limits
Ask for help or signpost if the problem is serious. If you believe they are in immediate danger or they have injuries that need medical attention, you need to take action to make sure they are safe.
If it is a family member or close friend you are concerned about, they might not want to talk to you. Try not to take this personally: talking to someone you love can be difficult as they might be worried that they are hurting you. It is important to keep being open and honest and telling them that you care.
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We measure our progress by the number of people in whom we restore the hope of a healthy tomorrow. Our doctors are highly skilled, experienced, compassionate and will be there when you need them most. We have the best talent and a team of best psychiatrist and psychologist in Noida and are rated one of the best psychiatry clinic in Noida.
We understand the decision to seek psychiatric/ psychological care can be stressful and is just not easy. However, be assured as, at Pathfinders Clinic, you will be treated with sensitivity and respect to meet your individual, unique needs.
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Categories: Mental Health
