How to Support Loved Ones with Mental Health Problems

Supporting a loved one suffering from mental health problems is extremely important for their overall well-being. It is of utmost importance to promote a supportive and safe environment. Mental health directly impacts our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, what we feel, how we act, and how we handle day-to-day stress.

One of the first indications that a loved one might be experiencing mental health problems is a change in their behavior. 

Some changes in behavior are-

• Withdrawal- it indicates that a person may start to isolate themselves from friends, family, and social activities they once enjoyed.  

• Changes in sleep Patterns- It can include difficulty sleeping, in some cases leading to insomnia or hypersomnia, which means sleeping too much. They might appear unusually tired or excessively up at odd hours. 

• Mood changes- Sudden shift from high energy and elated mood to deep sadness.

• Being irritated or angry—they could be irritated or show anger without any reason. 

• Feeling of despair- they may feel that nothing will ever improve. They might talk about feeling trapped, worthless, or a burden to others.

• Persistent and uncontrollable worry- they may show worry about various aspects of life, even when there is no reason to worry, a common sign of anxiety disorders.
  

 Recognizing these signs early and understanding them can be very vital to one’s mental health. It allows for the timely detection of the problem and the planning of an intervention, which can significantly improve outcomes for the individual struggling and help them.

How can you approach the conversation?

Before starting any conversation regarding mental health with a loved one, it is very important to be well-prepared. You need to prepare yourself for- 

• Research- research the particular mental health issue you think they might be dealing with and try to understand the symptoms, treatment options and how can you help.

• Planning-You can plan what you want to say by jotting down the key points. 

• Choosing the right time-It is very important you pick an appropriate time for them and for you to discuss the issue and make sure you and the individual going through this problem are in a good state of mind whenever you sit down to discuss it.

• Environment- the place in which you have the conversation can significantly impact its effectiveness. So, make sure you both are in a private, quiet place where you will not be disturbed. Ensure that the environment is comfortable for this individual. And opt for a neutral ground where neither of you should have any ownership of this place so that the conversation feels less hostile.

Being Present

Just by being present and near your loved one, you can have a great impact on their well-being. Your presence will indicate that they are not alone in this and that they have a shoulder to lean on during this tough time.

• Physical Presence: Spend time with them regularly. Even if they don’t feel like talking, your presence can provide comfort. Just sitting together in silence can be reassuring.

• Availability: Let them know you are available to talk whenever they need to. Be reliable and consistent.

• Check-Ins: Regularly check in with them, whether through a quick text, phone call, or visit. This helps them feel connected and valued.
  

Validation and showing empath

Validation and empathy go hand in hand. It involves acknowledging their emotions without any judgment and showing empathy by trying to understand their perspective. 

Here are some strategies to ensure a non- judgemental conversation.

• Use “I” Statements:  For example, instead of saying, “You never leave your room,” you could say, “I’ve noticed that you’ve been spending more time alone lately, and I’m concerned about you,", which will showcase a non-judgemental tone.

• Be Non-Judgmental: Approach the conversation without preconceived notions or judgments, which means try not to assume anything but give them space to show how they feel.

• Listen Actively: listening actively means paying close attention to what they’re saying. You can showcase that you are there for them and listening by nodding and reflecting on what they are saying. 

• Express Concern: express your feelings and let them see that you care about them and what they are going through. Here, use “I” statements to express. 

• Be Patient: A person dealing with mental health issues might not be ready to talk right away so give them space and time by letting them know you’re available whenever they’re ready to talk.

Crisis `Management

A crisis can arise at any moment if the person is dealing with severe mental health issues. In this situation, the person can create a situation where they can harm themselves or others around them. Knowing how to handle a crisis can be life-saving. Here’s how to respond effectively:

• Recognize Warning Signs: Be aware of signs that indicate a mental health crisis, such as talk of suicide, self-harm, severe mood swings, or psychosis, which means any signs of hallucinations or delusions.

• Immediate Safety: Ensure that you help them immediately come to physical safety by removing any objects that could be used for self-harm and staying with the person if it is safe to do so.

• Emergency Contacts: Know the emergency contact numbers for mental health crises in your area, such as crisis hotlines or local mental health crisis teams.

• Follow-Up After the Crisis: After the immediate crisis has happened, reconnect and help them connect with mental health professionals for ongoing support. Ensure they have a safety plan in place.
  

How to encourage professional help

Here are some steps you can take to encourage your loved one to seek professional help:   

• Research Options: Help them find mental health professionals such as therapists, counsellors, or psychiatrists. Provide information about local mental health services and hotlines

• Offer to Accompany Them: Offer to go with them to their appointments if they feel anxious about going alone.

• Normalize Seeking Help: help them understand that seeking help is and is a sign of strength and not weakness. 

• Follow-up: After suggesting professional help, gently follow up to see if they have made an appointment or if they need further assistance. Keep in touch and reconnect. 

• Respect Their Autonomy: Ultimately, the decision to seek professional help is theirs. Respect their choices and timing, even if it takes longer than you hope.

Supporting and being there for a loved one with mental health issues can also be overwhelming for the one taking care of them. You should also keep in check with your emotions and mental well-being. 

Supporting a loved one involves practical help as well as emotional help and support. Offering practical support through daily help, encouraging professional assistance, and knowing how to manage crises are vital steps. 

Every small act of kindness, every moment of patience, and every gesture of support counts. you are an essential part of their support system, and even your slightest help can lead to meaningful improvements in their life. 

BetterLYF is one such platform that provides online counseling services. With BetterLYF, you can access professional support from the comfort of your own space, at a time that suits you best, ensuring that quality mental health care is always within reach.

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