What Do You Do When Someone Needs Mental Help?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Seek immediate assistance if you think your friend or family member is in danger of harming themselves. You can

call a crisis line

or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you think your friend or family member is in need of community mental health services you can find help in your area.

What do you say to someone who needs mental help?

  1. “Do you want to talk about it? …
  2. “What can I do to help?” …
  3. “That sounds really difficult. …
  4. 4. ” …
  5. “I'm really sorry you're going through this. …
  6. “Are you looking for my perspective or would you rather I listen?” …
  7. “I know what you mean. …
  8. “Have you tried yoga or meditation?”

How do you help a mentally ill person who doesn't want help?

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

How do you force someone to get mental help?

  1. Your family doctor or a psychiatrist.
  2. Your local hospital.
  3. A lawyer specializing in mental health law.
  4. Your local police department.
  5. Your state protection and advocacy association.

How do you help someone who refuses to help?

  1. Be available. Continue to be supportive. …
  2. Offer help. Give suggestions, if and when your friend reaches out to you and asks for your advice.
  3. Become informed. …
  4. Talk to someone yourself. …
  5. Set boundaries. …
  6. Don't force the issue or put pressure on them. …
  7. Don't avoid them.

Can you force a schizophrenic to get help?

It can be both emotionally and legally difficult to force a person with a mental disorder to get treated, but if a loved one becomes dangerous, friends and family members may

need to call the police to take the person to the hospital

, according to NAMI.

How do you get out of a relationship with a mentally ill person?

Catchings suggests being “

kind, empathetic, and firm

.” You want to follow the general rules of breaking up without being a jerk: be completely open and honest, do it in person (don't you dare think about doing it over text message), listen to what they have to say, and don't give them mixed signals after the breakup.

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 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 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.”

Can you force someone to go to a mental institution?

Usually,

you can't force someone to go to or get psychiatric treatment

. However, if you believe that your loved one may be a danger to himself or to others because of a mental condition, in California, for example, you may want to consider a 5150 hold.

Can you force a person to go to the hospital?

A person can be involuntarily committed to a hospital if

they are a danger to themselves

, a danger to others, or gravely disabled. They are considered a danger to themselves if they have stated that they are planning to harm themselves.

Should you force someone to go to therapy?

You

can try to embolden

someone to go to therapy, but unless you are willing to offer meaningful support, it's not going to encourage them. Some people do not know where to start when seeking help. Guide them in finding a suitable therapist in the area, depending on their preferences.

How do you help someone with schizophrenia who doesn't want 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.

What happens if a mental patient refuses medication?

If the person refuses to follow the treatment plan,

he/she can be sent to jail

. Mental health courts have been shown to be very effective in keeping people on medication, and in reducing rehospitalizations, incarcerations, and violent behavior.

What is a psychotic breakdown?

A psychotic breakdown is

any nervous breakdown that triggers symptoms of psychosis

, which refers to losing touch with reality. Psychosis is more often associated with very serious mental illnesses like schizophrenia, but anyone can experience these symptoms if stress becomes overwhelming, triggering a breakdown.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.