How Can You Help Someone With Mental Health Issues?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Listen without making judgements and concentrate on their needs in that moment.
  • Ask them what would help them.
  • Reassure and signpost to practical information or resources.
  • Avoid confrontation.
  • Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact.

How can I help someone with a mental illness near me?


Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text MHA to 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room. Find a local MHA affiliate who can provide services. Find a therapist.

How does family help mental health?

When family relationships are stable and supportive, a person suffering from mental health issues or disorders may be more responsive to treatment.

Companionship, emotional support and often even economic support

can have a positive impact on someone coping with a mental health problem.

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

  • Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.
  • Long-lasting sadness or irritability.
  • Extreme changes in moods.
  • Social withdrawal.
  • Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

What should you not say to a mentally ill person?

  1. “It’s all in your head.” …
  2. “Come on, things could be worse!” …
  3. “Snap out of it!” …
  4. “But you have a great life, you always seem so happy!” …
  5. “Have you tried chamomile tea?” …
  6. “Everyone is a little down/moody/OCD sometimes – it’s normal.” …
  7. “This too shall pass.”

What to do with a mentally ill family member who refuses treatment?

  1. Listen and validate. If your relationship is iffy, it doesn’t hurt to just listen. …
  2. Ask questions. …
  3. Resist the urge to fix or give advice. …
  4. Explore options together. …
  5. Take care of yourself and find your own support.

What might worsen a person’s mental health?

For example, the following factors could potentially result in a period of poor mental health:

childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect

. social isolation or loneliness. experiencing discrimination and stigma, including racism.

What are the signs of a mentally unstable person?

  • Feeling sad or down.
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities.
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.

What are three sources of help for people with emotional and mental problems?

  • Emergency help.
  • Types of providers.
  • Finding therapy.
  • Online and phone.
  • Nonprofit organizations.
  • Support groups.
  • Local services.
  • Inpatient and hospital care.

How can you help a family member?

  1. DO listen and validate. …
  2. DO ask what they need from you. …
  3. DO offer to help with everyday tasks. …
  4. DO celebrate their wins, including the small ones. …
  5. DO read up on what they’re struggling with. …
  6. DO check in with them regularly.

When should you seek mental help?

  1. Marked changes in personality, eating or sleeping patterns.
  2. An inability to cope with problems or daily activities.
  3. Feeling of disconnection or withdrawal from normal activities.
  4. Unusual or “magical” thinking.
  5. Excessive anxiety.

What to say to someone who has family issues?

  • ‘you shouldn’t feel this bad’
  • ‘you’re over-reacting’
  • ‘it’s not as bad as you think’

How can family issues affect a child?

Changes in the family can

unsettle and upset and make children feel insecure and bad about themselves

. They may feel angry, anxious or depressed. These feelings can affect other areas of their lives such as school and friendships.

What are 7 signs of a mental disorder?

  • Change in feelings or demeanor. …
  • Loss of interest. …
  • Change in sleeping habits. …
  • Low energy. …
  • Difficulty interacting. …
  • Appetite or weight changes. …
  • Uncontrollable emotions.

Does mental illness run in families?

Scientists have long recognized that

many psychiatric disorders tend to run in families

, suggesting potential genetic roots. Such disorders include autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, major depression and schizophrenia.

Why might someone avoid getting help for a mental health concern?

Barriers to accessing mental health support include

difficulties in identifying and communicating distress, stigmatising beliefs, shame, a preference for self-reliance, and anticipation that help will be difficult to access

.

How do you survive living with a mentally ill person?


Try to eat healthy meals, get some exercise, and get enough sleep

. Making time to do things you enjoy will help you keep your stress levels in check. You’ll be better able to support your loved one if you take steps to maintain your own physical and mental health.

How do you help someone who is struggling emotionally?

  1. Validate their emotions. Letting someone know that they are not alone and being open to what they want to share is an important step. …
  2. Just show up. …
  3. Be a good listener. …
  4. Keep things confidential. …
  5. Keep the door open. …
  6. Spend time with them. …
  7. Offer praise. …
  8. Offer practical help.

What is a mental breakdown?

A nervous breakdown (also called a mental breakdown) is a term that describes

a period of extreme mental or emotional stress

. The stress is so great that the person is unable to perform normal day-to-day activities. The term “nervous breakdown” isn’t a clinical one. Nor is it a mental health disorder.

What can trigger a psychotic episode?

Psychosis could be triggered by a number of things, such as:

Physical illness or injury

. You may see or hear things if you have a high fever, head injury, or lead or mercury poisoning. If you have Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease you may also experience hallucinations or delusions.

How do you convince a schizophrenic to get help?

  1. Don’t use a threatening or confrontational tone.
  2. Close and trusted family members or friends should lead the conversation.
  3. Don’t include people your loved one doesn’t trust or feel close to, which can cause more anxiety, fear, or confusion.

How do you convince a manic person to get help?

  1. Learning about bipolar disorder. Learn everything you can about the symptoms and treatment options. …
  2. Encouraging the person to get help. …
  3. Being understanding. …
  4. Showing patience. …
  5. Accept your loved one’s limits. …
  6. Accept your own limits. …
  7. Reduce stress. …
  8. Communicate openly.

What are the 4 types of mental health?

  • Anxiety disorders. …
  • Behavioural and emotional disorders in children. …
  • Bipolar affective disorder. …
  • Depression. …
  • Dissociation and dissociative disorders. …
  • Eating disorders. …
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder. …
  • Paranoia.

How do you deal with poor mental health?

  1. Talk about your feelings. Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. …
  2. Keep active. …
  3. Eat well. …
  4. Drink sensibly. …
  5. Keep in touch. …
  6. Ask for help. …
  7. Take a break. …
  8. Do something you’re good at.

What are the 10 types of mental disorders?
  • Depression. Depression affects millions of adolescents and adults across America and globally. …
  • Anxiety. …
  • ADHD. …
  • Insomnia. …
  • Addiction & Substance Abuse. …
  • Bipolar Disorder. …
  • Schizophrenia. …
  • PTSD.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.