8 Useful Tips to Approach Mental Health with a Loved One (Plus How to React in a Crisis)
We all go through tough times. And many of us require the listening ear of a close friend or family member to help talk us through it and gain a rational perspective.
But other times, we are worried about the mental health of others. And, if you happen to live with this individual or are around them often, seeing the warning signs will most likely be evident.
However, every person is unique in their own way. And how they outwardly present struggles can still vary. After all, stress from work can look similar or manifest completely differently than clinical depression.
Broaching this subject with someone can be awkward and nerve-wracking on its own. So, it’s only logical that you want to feel confident that their changes in behavior are something that indeed needs to be addressed.
How Do You Know if Someone Is Struggling?
Typically, the first noticeable difference in someone’s behavior will fall under the category of them just being “off.” They aren’t necessarily spiraling out of control, but their normalcy appears to have been disrupted.
Their sleeping patterns may have changed slightly or maybe they aren’t quite as interested in socializing as they were before. These are traits to certainly keep an eye out on but aren’t usually seen as a red flag on their own.
However, if you begin to see a massive shift, here are symptoms to keep a watchful eye out for:
Excessive anxiety and worry
Confusion and trouble concentrating
Extreme shifts in mood — low lows and high highs
Strong or prolonged feelings of anger
Trouble relating to others
Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and social activities
Inability to distinguish reality — hallucinations, changes in senses
Physical changes — headaches, stomach problems, body aches
Lack of self-care — bad hygiene
Inability to perform work or school duties
New or increased substance use
If you notice someone you care about exhibiting any of these symptoms — and it’s not their normal — they may benefit from a conversation.
After all, some of those suffering cannot properly distinguish their own reality, which means they may not realize just how bad they have gotten. (Reference 1)
Talking To Your Loved One about Their Mental Health
When you see a loved one struggling, the first reaction you may have is to reach out and see how you can help. And, while this is something you should absolutely do — make yourself available — you do have to learn boundaries.
Here are eight tips on how you can approach a conversation with someone struggling:
1. Try to talk to them distraction-free
Opening up to someone is difficult enough. Try to find time to speak to your loved one when you know you will be free from distractions. Don’t put them in the position of having to start and then stop their conversation with you. The feeling of having to fight for your attention may cause them to seal themselves off.
2. Don’t pry — allow them to share as much or as little as they’re comfortable with
Allow them to lead the discussion and don’t pry too much. Mental health can be a challenging — and overwhelming — topic to speak about, so give your friend or family member time to properly open up in their own time. Don’t grill them and make them feel as if they are being bombarded. If they are uncomfortable with sharing certain aspects, respect those boundaries.
3. Do your best to not second guess how they are feeling
We are wired to offer advice. But when you are not a medical expert, telling someone what they should or should not do may come off as condescending — even if that isn’t your intention. Try not to make assumptions about how they are feeling or what their diagnosis may be (if any).
4. Keep your questions open-ended
Keep your language neutral. Ask open-ended questions that indicate you are not judging them off your own perceptions. For example, you can say, “Why don’t you explain to me how you are feeling about this?” rather than, “I can tell you’re feeling depressed. Why is that?”
5. Talk to them about self-care
Bring up ideas revolving around self-care and other ways they can de-stress and find enjoyment. But again, don’t presume that they are good ideas — always ask what they think about your suggestions. If you find that this person is enjoying opening up to you, offer to do the suggested activities with them.
6. Listen carefully and repeat back what it is they said
Practice active listening by repeating their own words back to them. You may not agree with them, but this can be seen as an indication that they are being heard and you have understood their thoughts and feelings.
7. Offer to find professional help for them
As a suggestion, you can offer to help find them help. You may approach this as something they do not have to stress over, as matching clinicians with insurance and finding an appropriate professional will not need to be a burden they have to deal with.
8. Know the limits you have for yourself
Make certain that you have created limits for yourself, as being a support system for a loved one with a mental health condition can be stressful. Provide yourself with time to digest information before reacting and take breaks away from them, as needed.
Responding to a Crisis
If your loved one emits any signs or signals to you that they are in immediate danger, you may feel as though you are in a crisis, as well. But it’s important to keep calm — for their sake.
Here are a few diffusal strategies you can use:
Avoid coming off as confrontational.
Listen without any notion of judgment. Focus on their needs at that very moment.
Ask them blankly what they need and what will help them.
If they have harmed themselves, ensure they receive the proper medical help right away.
At this moment, you will need to gauge whether or not you believe calling a suicide hotline or emergency services is warranted and contact them as soon as possible. (Reference 2)
Some resources for you and your loved one to utilize:
“988” Hotline (beginning July 2022)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
911 Emergency Medical Services
Why the MHT Services Matter
Opening up can be hard. Most of us know that.
And when you are talking about sensitive medical issues, there can be hesitancy due to embarrassment or worries of being judged.
That is why private, virtual assessments are so important to address the mental health crisis plaguing the United States currently.
When practitioners opt to use an assessment screening tool, they no longer have to rely on staff asking the appropriate questions, reading body language appropriately, or misreading the signs.
Results are clear, concise, and scientific.
Whether you are a patient or a clinician, we urge you to speak with your office about implementing a mental health screener today.
We offer a 30-day, no-risk, FREE trial to medical practices. Cancel anytime — no questions asked.
Contact us today for more information.
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