We all face challenging times in our lives, and it's in these moments that we often rely on the help of others. Mental health is a topic that has become increasingly relevant, as most of us have a family member or close friend who has been affected by mental health challenges.
Providing the right kind of support can make a significant difference in someone's journey to recovery. Realize, however, that every individual and situation is unique. In this blog, we explore various ways how you can help someone with a mental illness.
Understanding Mental Health
Mental health refers to an individual's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It’s just as important as physical health and affects how people think, feel, and act.
Conversely, mental illnesses affect a person’s mood, thoughts, or behaviors. Although serious mental illnesses can be frightening, they are treatable. Individuals diagnosed with these disorders can still lead fulfilling lives if they receive the necessary treatment.
The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Unfortunately, there is a stigma surrounding mental health. Many people often hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgment or discrimination, even from their own families. But it’s through support that we gain more strength and knowledge.
As family members, we can play a pivotal role in reducing this stigma. Below, we discuss how to get help for family members with mental illness.
Recognizing the Signs
Learn to recognize the signs that your loved one might be struggling. Symptoms vary, but some common ones include social withdrawal, inability to carry out daily activities, disconnection from reality, changes in habits, substance abuse, extreme mood swings, and suicidal thoughts.
If you’re concerned a family member is displaying these signs, try to stay calm. It can be easy to jump to conclusions, but symptoms of mental illness often overlap with other problems. Take a moment to consider whether there are other circumstances that could be contributing to the person's behavior or mood.
Starting the Conversation
Starting a conversation about mental health can be daunting, but it's often the first and most important step.
Create the Right Environment
Find a private and comfortable space where your loved one feels at ease, as it helps set the tone for a meaningful discussion.
Timing matters when discussing sensitive topics like mental health. Pick a moment when both of you are relaxed, have time to talk without interruptions, and when emotions are relatively stable.
Express your concern genuinely, and avoid using alarmist language or placing blame. You can say something like, "I've noticed you haven't been yourself lately," then back up your statements with facts. This assures your loved one that your intentions are rooted in compassion.
Listen Actively and Be Patient
Once you've started the conversation, focus on active listening. Don't expect them to open up right away. Allow them to share at their own pace and be patient as they search for the right words to convey their feelings. Sometimes, all they need is someone to listen and let them vent.
Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. Questions like, "Can you tell me more about what you're going through?" or "How can I support you better?" can be helpful.
Offer Support, Not Solutions
Your role is to offer emotional support, not immediate solutions. Avoid saying things like, "You should do this," or "Just snap out of it." Convey your willingness to support them and your commitment to seeking help together.
Normalize the Experience
Remind your loved one they are not alone in their struggle. Mental health issues are common, and many people go through similar challenges. Remember also that you don't need to have all the answers; your presence, compassion, and willingness to help can make a world of difference.
Recognize Your Loved One’s Courage
We tend to view individuals suffering from physical illnesses such as cancer as brave. But we often fail to extend the same level of respect to those struggling with mental illness.
In reality, it takes immense courage to confront and overcome the debilitating symptoms on a daily basis and to actively seek recovery and stay committed to it.
Seeking Professional Help
If you notice signs of mental health issues, encourage your loved one to talk to a professional. Suggest visiting a general physician if they are hesitant. Offer to accompany them and be there for support.
If they don’t accept your offer, consider alerting their physician with your concerns. Privacy laws may prevent doctors from sharing information, but it will give them a heads-up to be on the lookout for any signs of mental health issues.
Where to take someone who is mentally unstable? If you feel your loved one may be in danger of harming themselves or someone else, that's an emergency. In such cases, don't hesitate to call 911 and ask for an officer trained in crisis intervention.
Setting the Right Expectations
Being diagnosed with a mental illness can be shocking for the individual receiving the diagnosis and their loved ones. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions, such as disbelief, guilt, shame, and grief. However, getting a diagnosis and a treatment plan can help reduce stress within the family and help the person suffering move toward recovery.
Acceptance of the diagnosis takes time, and it happens at a different pace for everyone. Be patient with yourself and others.
Educating Yourself
One of the best steps on how to support someone with mental health issues is to educate yourself about the specific condition they’re facing.
According to Harriet Lefley, Ph.D., a professor at the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, evidence has shown that involving families in the treatment process and providing them with education can help reduce patients' symptoms, hospitalization days, and relapse rates. It can also improve the family environment.
The more you learn what to expect, the easier it will be to provide the right support. A word of caution, though: there is a lot of information available on the Internet; some are accurate, while others are not. Find trustworthy sources, and don't believe every horror story you come across.
Self-Care for Caregivers
Remember to take care of yourself. Dealing with mentally ill family members can be emotionally and physically demanding. Self-care ensures you're equipped to provide the necessary support.
If you need help, don't hesitate to reach out. Acknowledge your limitations in terms of what you can give. Establish boundaries to prevent burnout, and discuss them with your loved one while emphasizing your continued support.
Building a Support Network
Enlist the support of other family members and close friends in your support network. A united effort can be highly effective. Explore local or online resources to get help for family member with mental illness.
Seek support groups like those offered by organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Mental Health America (MHA). NAMI provides families a training program called "Family-to-Family" and peer-led support groups for ongoing help and support.
Working With Your Loved One’s Treatment Team
If your family member grants permission, work with their care team to provide support and take part in treatment planning. The process may be complicated due to confidentiality barriers and HIPAA laws; still, you can overcome this challenge.
Establish Equality
People with mental illnesses still have an identity, and they still have a voice. Ask what they’re feeling, their difficulties, and what they’d like from you.
Don’t single them out as the “sick one.” Instead, establish a sense of equality within the household and work together to meet everyone's expectations. Remember to treat your loved ones with respect regardless of their symptoms.
Let Your Loved One Have Control
When someone we care about is dealing with a serious mental illness, it's common to want to take charge and safeguard them. However, assuming full responsibility for their welfare can be harmful to both the person and their caregiver.
People with serious mental illnesses often flourish when they have the chance to take responsibility for their lives. Promoting independence can bolster their confidence and enable them to take proactive measures towards their recovery.
Be Prepared for Setbacks and Progress
Mental health recovery can be a challenging journey full of ups and downs. Be ready to offer your loved one encouragement and support for the long run. Even if you feel like your actions are not making a difference, they are likely making a positive impact on your family member's mental health. So try to celebrate even the smallest achievements in their recovery.
How To Deal With a Loved One With Mental Illness
Supporting someone with mental health issues is a noble endeavor. Your compassion and understanding can make a difference in their recovery and overall well-being. So, never underestimate the impact you can have; your support can be a lifeline during their toughest times.
Continue to educate yourself and advocate for a more inclusive, stigma-free society. By sharing your experiences and knowledge, you can contribute to the broader conversation about mental health and help create a world where everyone feels comfortable seeking help and receiving the support they need.
You are not alone on this journey of how to help a mentally ill person—there are resources, professionals, and communities ready to rally behind you and your loved one.
If you're seeking professional support, Weston Family Psychology can guide you with the help you need. Contact us at (954) 906-6191 or intake-coordinator@westonfamilypsychology.com to schedule a consultation today.