How To Help Someone With Mental Health Issues?
We will all experience some sort of mental health issue at some point in our lives. When we do go through them, however, we want to help and want to help others. However, we are sometimes unaware of who is in need. When someone in our lives is going through a difficult time, we want to do everything in our power to ensure that person’s happy and healthy. This could be a friend, family member, coworker, or even an online acquaintance. Whatever the situation, we all have the desire to go out and help those in need. In this article, I will discuss mental issues and how to help someone with mental health issues.
Is There Any Way to Tell if Someone Has a Mental Health Issue?
Everyone faces daily struggles in life, but some seem to be having more difficult ones than others. Life works just like that. As a result, while it may occasionally be clear who is fighting, it is mostly undetectable. People who are struggling the hardest in daily life are the ones we care about the most. That is reality, and occasionally, those are the folks that need the most assistance. But it’s important to be aware of and curious about the people in our lives. Therefore, if you don’t fully understand what is happening, don’t go out there and try to diagnose people. This might make things worse for them.
Remember that a mental health issue is not always easy to spot while assessing someone. The symptoms of those who suffer can vary from person to person. Even though someone you know may have a symptom, this does not necessarily mean that they have a mental disorder. So, please, be careful what you do.
One or more symptoms may be present in every patient with a condition. The responses of individuals around a person with a symptom, however, vary from person to person. Nobody responds the same way to illness in two different ways. However, if you are close to someone, it is easier to tell if they are in pain. For example, if there is a change in mood or a decrease in desire.
If you’re curious to learn more about the numerous mental health conditions that might occur. I’ve included a link to an article that covers several health-related topics.
What Might I Do for Someone Who’s Suffering?
There are numerous things you can do to support the people you care about when it comes to mental health. The discussion is what’s most crucial. If you are unable to communicate about your pain, how can you help someone who is?
Sometimes we worry about the people around us. When we detect that they have changed in some way, something happens. Therefore, try talking to the person if you are concerned about them. I realize it can be challenging to know where to start. But the moment to start helping them is right now; never wait because things can and will get worse. So just go talk to them and see if they need anything. However, when you start talking to them, show compassion and love. Never criticize or judge them. That will aggravate the situation, and that person will most likely lose faith in you.
Always communicate with the person you are attempting to help before doing anything else. By doing this, you’ll be able to comprehend what they’re going through better. And then deciding how to help. But be aware that occasionally some people might not want to talk to you or accept your help. If this is the case, I advise either talking to someone close to them or just giving them some time to calm down. Never force someone to talk about what’s happening.
Related: What is a Mental Health Issue?
How to Have a Conversation About Mental Health?
I’ve talked about how to help someone now. How can we even start a conversation about mental health? Especially as the majority of people perceive the topic of mental health to be sensitive. I’ve thus provided some advice on how to bring up such a topic. It is essential to counsel and follows carefully.
1. Make Sure It’s A Distraction-Free Zone: When speaking with someone, kindly minimize interruptions. Including things like your phone, television, music, and even other people. By doing this, you can be confident that the person you’re speaking to has your full attention.
2. Let Them Lead The Discussion: Let the other person start the discussion while you’re speaking to them. They learn to trust you when you give them the freedom to speak at their own pace and on whatever interests them. Never try to force yourself on them. This can give them the idea that you are trying to pressure them and are not trying to help them. So please exercise caution.
3. Never Judge or Criticize: Never pass judgment or offer criticism while someone is discussing something significant with you. They will lose trust in you and perhaps feel worse if you simply criticize and condemn them based on what they say.
4. Never Diagnose: So you’re joking around with someone. Just keep in mind that you are not an expert and that diagnosing or addressing others won’t be of any assistance to you. Simply try to avoid doing so unless someone specifically asks you what you believe is going on. They had a specific purpose for visiting you. Therefore, all you need to do is be there for them.
5. Ask Questions: When you can ask inquiries, it shows that you care. Inquiring should be done with caution, though. You can inquire as to how they felt in such circumstances as opposed to why or how you did not. On the other hand, don’t bombard people with questions all at once, and give them ample time to react.
6. Listen Carefully and Only Speak When Needed: Have you ever been having a conversation with someone when they suddenly started meddling or weren’t paying attention? What was your response to that? They probably made you feel horrible. You should therefore listen to them when you speak to them and only speak when required. If someone says anything during a conversation that you don’t understand, kindly ask them to explain by rephrasing it. No, you don’t always have to concur with what they have to say, but listening to them out of respect is a good start.
7. Have Standards: When someone asks for your help, it’s a serious situation. Therefore, if they start acting strange or saying things that make you feel uneasy when speaking with them, please report it. Their safety must be guaranteed, which is what reporting does.
Okay, so you now know how you try to help someone. So, what now? Just keep in mind that helping someone takes time, and not everyone wants your help. Leave it alone and respect their wishes if that is the case. They will come and talk to you if they want to. When they do, it will be extremely difficult and require a great deal of courage.
How to Assist Someone Who Is in Trouble?
Some of you may be unaware, but people suffering from mental illnesses are at risk at times. Such as feeling as if suicide is the only option. It isn’t, but keep in mind that they require assistance and that their mental state is severely impaired at the moment. When this happens, you may be unsure of what to do or believe you are in danger. Here are some pointers on how to assist someone you believe is in trouble.
- Listen to them without judging or criticizing them.
- Ask if they need anything.
- Be respectful and show compassion.
- Don’t confront.
- Report if you believe they’re in danger.
- Ask if they require you to contact someone.
When someone is struggling, their thoughts and beliefs differ greatly from those around them. This can cause them to feel emotions they are not used to. Please remind them of their incredible and beautiful nature. Please be there for them and recognize their emotions.
Suicide is a Serious Matter.
Assume you’re talking to someone about suicide or seeing something about it on social media. This is the point at which you should encourage them to seek help. Either by consulting a therapist or contacting the police. If they refuse, I recommend that you contact them. All I can say is that they must seek assistance as soon as possible.
If you believe someone is in danger, please help them in any way you can. You can try to communicate with them by reaching out to them and letting them know you care. Some people, in my experience, simply want someone to talk to without passing judgment. This can have a significant impact. Yes, it may be difficult, especially if you are also experiencing difficulties.
Please take every precaution to help someone if you think they are in danger. You might try to chat with them and show them that you care by reaching out to them. Some folks, I’ve discovered, just want someone to talk to who won’t judge them. This has a significant impact. Yes, it could be challenging, particularly if you are also having a hard time.
If you know anyone who feels isolated and doesn’t know where to turn. I recommend that you sign up for and use the 7 Cups of Tea app. They are here to assist anyone who is struggling or in need of support.
Related: What is the Importance of Communication Skills in Life
In The End.
At the end of the day, we all have individuals in our life whom we admire and would do everything for. As a result, if you see someone in your life struggling, you should try to ask them for assistance. Be nice, empathetic, and nonjudgmental when conversing with them, nevertheless. They can see from this that they can depend on you in any circumstance. However, if someone chooses not to speak with you for any reason, respect their decision.
When speaking with someone, if you have any inkling that they might be considering suicide, take all necessary precautions to keep them safe. For instance, phoning the police. They sometimes have abilities beyond yours. Protecting someone with mental health difficulties should be your top responsibility.
In the comments box below, please ask any questions you may have about how to assist someone who is experiencing mental health problems. I am more than pleased to help you because I have a lot of experience in this area.
Kiersti writes on self-love and personal development professionally. Over the past ten or so years, she has studied self-love and personal growth. Visit https://womansdailyneeds.com/ to learn more about what she does, and like her on Facebook at https://facebook.com/womansdailyneeds to keep up with her.
20 Responses
I really appreciate how in depth this article goes. Mental health is a very serious issue that is becoming more and more common in our society, especially since covid. The advise you had about not forcing the conversation and building trust before pushing them to talk about what is going on. Letting people in crisis lead the conversation is a great way to give them an accepting and safe environment. Great tips for those who want to help. Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for taking the time to read it. I agree that many people struggle with mental health issues, even if they are unaware of it. The problem is that forcing the dialogue accomplishes nothing and, in fact, makes matters worse rather than better. Thank you one more. With that, I recommend that you read some of my other articles. They will assist you and those you know.
This is a very well written article. I know many people that including myself that struggle with mental health and I know it is a touchy subject. I try to let them talk if they want to about it not forcing the conversation. I only talk when I feel it is necessary. It is hard for me to watch them be so unhappy and suffering. I want to help, but sometimes they don’t want my help or to talk and I will respect that.
I know that sometimes I would like to talk to someone and I know it is hards. I don’t want to be judged or told “just be happy” or “stop thinking like that”. Those words don’t help and it makes you feel that someone isn’t listening or taking you seriously. I find that my head is my worst enemy at times, sometimes if I write down what is bothering me it will lead me alone for awhile. That is if I can’t talk to someone about it in a safe place.
Thank you!
Thank you really a lot. I really understand because I’ve been dealing with mental health issues for about 18 years. And it’s really just a sensitive subject. When I learn that someone committed suicide due to mental illness, it crushes my heart. That being said, whenever I see someone on social media complaining about their life, I always reach out. We have no idea what anyone else is going through. Yes, forcing the topic only makes things worse rather than better. People sometimes just want to be left alone and not spoken to since it serves no one.I agree that seeing someone miserable is really upsetting and crushes my heart. I’m delighted you share my sentiments.
Finally, it is critical to wait until they want to speak because forcing it can and will exacerbate the situation.
When it comes to mental health, I find it difficult to talk about. All because of other people’s retweets, which only makes matters worse. All the things individuals can say are perceived to be cruel. It’s not quite that straightforward. Anyway, thanks for the comment, and you’ve just given me an excellent topic for an article. Have a lovely day and get well soon, okay?
It is very soothing and consoling when we have a shoulder to cry on and an empathetic listener when are going through challenges adversely affecting our mental health. This article is educative and it is good to know that this type of awareness is made available so that everyone will look out for each other. Whether family member, neighbor, or colleague.
I couldn’t agree more.
What a great article…and it’s especially important in this day and age. I know so many friends who are struggling with real problems these days. It’s so great how you emphasized the need to listen first and be non-judgmental. That is so important as talking too much or judging someone who is in need can backfire in the worst way. I’ve seen this happen many times before. And then communication just stops. I think mental illness is a touchy subject that most people are afraid to speak about. But it is way more common place that we’d like to think. Thanks for sharing these helpful ideas on how to help someone in need. As you say, sometimes all a person really needs is someone to listen to them.
It’s so sad how many people are dealing with mental issues and so much more. It just causes many more issues when people don’t take awareness on it. With that said thanks for reading.
Mental health issues seem to be on the increase, and specially during the past two years with so many people being forced not to have social interaction and see family members and friends. Society still seems to ignore the importance of providing adequate help and support, so it has become essential that we help those around us.
Thank you for highlighting the importance of mental health and giving us so many ways to recognise someone that needs help, and how to deal with it.
It’s so sad how many are dealing with mental health issues. Many because of COVID have it and it’s heartbreaking. It’s about time one says something about it. Not many people want to talk about the issue due to scarcity.
Thanks so much for commenting.
This is a very powerful yet sensitive topic or post to speak upon yet you found a way to address mental health and how to help in a very clean and simplistic way. Just follow steps one through seven to give assistance to someone who needs the help and willing to have a conversation about it as well. It can not be a one-way conversation, you speaking to them about what he/she needs but a two-way flow of understanding and acceptance. Help for a loved one or friend is always available, it is up to the individual to know that they need help and be willing to take the necessary steps to be successful at mental clarity.
I couldn’t agree more. In today society people have trouble talking about this because of scarcity and that of offending people. For someone who has dealt with such issues I find that it’s vital to talk about. And since I do know much about it I’m able to speak. So thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Kiersti,
First off, thank you so much for this article!!
My daughter is having some issues, I have been trying to get her to seek professional help, yet she wants to rely on self-diagnosing, which we all know is a big NO-NO.
I have used passive-aggressive tactics with her like sending her a link to a mental health website for a local office after she had a manic episode and expressed she needed help. She ignored the link and went to Google instead, I am so frustrated, do you have any advice?
Stacie,
You’re so welcome.
Yes that isn’t something that one should be doing .
As for advice simply being there and spending time with your daughter will truly help her. Young kids need to know that they matter and when they have that care and love it can make the biggest difference.
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Mental health is an important issue that affects many people.
If you’re looking to support someone with mental health issues, here are a few things you can do: listen actively and nonjudgmentally, encourage seeking professional help, offer practical support, and take care of your own mental health.
Being a supportive and understanding presence can make a big difference for someone struggling with mental health issues.
Remember to listen, encourage seeking help, offer practical support, and take care of your own mental health.
You’re so welcome!
Yes it does and it’s so vital to be spoken about. However, many people avoid the topic.
Those are some great ways to support someone who maybe suffering. As support can do so much to help someone.
Anyway thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. I highly appreciate it.
One of the easiest ways to get on with life is to get support from friends and family. It is easier to surmount any life issue if you get support. That is why I am a constant advocate of family support, especially that of immediate siblings. But like you identified, it is difficult to identify when someone has a mental issue. And I must say a big thank you for spelling out the right way to communicate with people suffering with such challenges
I could agree more. Having that support truly can make a big difference in one’s life or not. Without that support it can make life a lot more difficult. I like that you thrive to help and support others. I am the same as well. Anyway thanks for your comment it means a lot.
Your article is spot on when dealing with mental health, as we do have to be careful when talking with others. My sister-law just passed away on December 24th, the last month of her life she would cry a lot in pain and just wanted to stay in bed alone away from family. Her brothers didn’t know how to talk with her and just made things worse as they would not listen to her but instead criticized her and said stop crying things could not be that bad when they were. Everyone needs to let the person lead the conversation and don’t diagnose them themselves.
I am so sorry for your loss. That of a mental illness causes pain not on those who are dealing with it but also those around them. That’s why it is so important to just love and be there for the person when they need it the most.