- 1 – Resist Stigmatizing Yourself. Depression is a problem that has a solution. ...
- 2 – Reach Out Where You Feel the Most Comfortable. ...
- 3 – Practice Saying That You're Not Okay. ...
- 4 – Have Someone Else Call for an Appointment. ...
- 5 – Don't Be Afraid of a Diagnosis.
How do you reach out to someone about their mental health?
- 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.
When should I reach for mental help?
Thoughts of Self-Harm or Suicide
Regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with a mental illness or haven't yet been assessed by a healthcare professional, if you feel any urge to hurt yourself (or others) in any way , you must ask for help.
How do I start seeking mental help?
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. Find support groups.
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.
How do you reach out when you're struggling?
- Decide who is the best person to talk to. Who would you feel most comfortable talking to? ...
- Think about what outcome you want. Do you simply want to be listened to? ...
- Explain how you feel and what support you'd like. ...
- Pick your time and place. ...
- Make notes.
How do you help a mentally ill person who doesn't want help?
- Listen and validate. If your relationship is iffy, it doesn't hurt to just listen. ...
- Ask questions. ...
- Resist the urge to fix or give advice. ...
- Explore options together. ...
- Take care of yourself and find your own support.
How do you deal with a mentally unstable family member?
Try to show patience and caring and try not to be judgmental of their thoughts and actions . Listen; don't disregard or challenge the person's feelings. Encourage them to talk with a mental health care provider or with their primary care provider if that would be more comfortable for them.
What to say to someone who is struggling mentally?
- “Do you want to talk about it? I'm always here for you.” ...
- “What can I do to help?” ...
- “That sounds really difficult. ...
- 4. ” ...
- “I'm really sorry you're going through this. ...
- “Are you looking for my perspective or would you rather I listen?”
Why is asking for mental help so hard?
The psychological reason why it's tough to ask for help
Asking for help often makes people feel uneasy because it requires surrendering control to someone else . “There are some people who really have a hard time with that piece of it,” she says. Another fear is being perceived as needy.
How do you know if you're mentally unstable?
- 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.
How do I know if I'm in crisis?
Confused thinking or irrational thoughts . Verbally stating, writing, or insinuating they'd like to hurt themselves or someone else. Talking about death or dying. Extreme energy or lack of energy.
What is the first line of mental health treatment?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered the first-line treatment for most mental health conditions and insomnia. CBT has been proven effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression and improving chronic poor sleep.
Who can I speak to about my mental health?
Talk to your GP
Your GP may be the first person you talk to about your mental health problems. If you have a good relationship with your doctor, you may find it helpful just to know there is someone you can talk to about the feelings you are having.
Which is the first step to getting help for a mental health problem?
- Step 1: Recognize You Are Powerless to Overcome Mental Illness and/or Addiction on Your own.
- Step 2: Reach Out for help.
- Step 3: Find The Help That You Need by Getting a Proper Diagnosis.
- Step 4: Get a Treatment Plan Specifically Tailored to You.
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.
At what age does mental illness start?
Fifty percent of mental illness begins by age 14, and three-quarters begins by age 24 .
What questions are asked during a mental exam?
The doctor might ask questions like: What impairments do you have, and how do they affect you? How has their life changed since the onset of their mental illness? What's your ability to interact with others and your relationship with your family, friends, and the community?
Is there someone I can talk to?
Contact Helpline is another free hotline to call for emotional support when you need someone to talk to . They are available 24 hours a day at 1-800-932-4616. The Samaritans is another non-profit organization you can call for free at 1- 877-870-4673 (HOPE).
How do you talk to someone you haven't talked to in awhile?
When you text someone you haven't talked to in a long time, it's important to send them something lighthearted . The trick is not to come off as needy or desperate. Keep the messages short and sweet, and don't send too many messages back-to-back.
How do you reach out to someone?
- 1 How can I support you? ...
- 2 What's been on your mind lately? ...
- 3 Tell me about your day. ...
- 5 Are you holding up OK? ...
- 6 How are you taking care of yourself these days? ...
- 7 I've been thinking about you. ...
- 8 Is there anything I can help take care of?
What is a psychotic break?
This is a psychotic break — when someone loses touch with reality, experiencing delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and what's called “disorganized” speech .
How do you get someone sectioned under the mental health Act?
- you need to be assessed or treated for your mental health problem.
- your health would be at risk of getting worse if you did not get treatment.
- your safety or someone else's safety would be at risk if you did not get treatment.
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.
Can someone with mental illness live a normal life?
With a dedication to ongoing treatment, often beginning with intensive residential care, most individuals can live normal or almost-normal lives . Most patients will get better but still have occasional episodes, but about 20 percent will recover within five years.
What to do if a family member is having a psychotic break?
- Don't panic or overreact. ...
- Do listen non-judgmentally. ...
- Don't make medication, treatment, or diagnosis the focus. ...
- Do speak slowly and simply. ...
- Don't threaten. ...
- Do stay positive and encourage help. ...
- Don't hesitate to contact a mental health professional.
