When a Loved One Needs Help.

The feeling that someone important to you is struggling is heart breaking.  The fear that they aren’t getting better with time adds desperation.  On top of all that, the thought of sharing your feelings with them is overwhelming.  A few tips can add clarity and direction to supporting your loved one. 

3 tips to..

Help a loved one get help

Know Signs of Mental Health Problems.

Hundreds of signs and symptoms of mental health problems exist.  But a few key areas give clues to who needs support.  First consider their functioning.  Are they having problems at work, at home, both?  This is a sign something could be off.  Next look at their free time.  Are they having problems relaxing like they normally do? Have they lost interest in their hobbies or interests?  Finally, a change in sleeping and eating patterns give us an early sign of mental health problems.  Knowing these symptoms isn’t to give you ammunition but to help you feel confident that support is needed.    

Communicate from Genuine Concern.

It can feel like you’re walking into a minefield when you start a conversation with someone about mental health symptoms.  But an easy tip can prevent an explosion.  Focus your conversation on you and your concern.  “You need help” becomes “I’m concerned about you.”  “You’re going to have to get some help” becomes “I care about you and am worried about your trouble sleeping. have you thought about talking to someone about it?”  They may respond with blame or anger.  You don’t have to follow them into a conflict.  Bring the conversation back to your genuine concern.  Something like “I care about you.  I’m on your side.  I know your upset about what’s going on at work.  I’m trying to find the best way to support you.”   

Clear their Path to Help.

Normal daily functions can be difficult for someone with depression or anxiety.  Just showering and putting on clean clothes can take an extreme amount of motivation.  To pull together insurance information, find a therapist, schedule an appointment, remember it, and show up may be something they just can’t complete.  Offer to help.  Most therapists will allow you to schedule the appointment.  Remind them the day before.  Offer to drive them.  You can even sit in, with their permission.  This practical support can be all the difference in the early days of managing a mental health problem. 

Help for the Helper.

Living with someone with active mental health symptoms can be taxing.  Knowing what to do next.  How to best support them.  How to keep them safe.  Thinking on these concerns can fill every moment.  There may be value in meeting with a therapist to support you while you support your loved one. 

Take hope in knowing that your loved one can get better.  Your support will make all the difference.