Mental health issues aren’t uncommon, and as per stats, about one-fifth of the residents of the United States suffer from these psychological challenges. Statistics have shown that almost one-half of the country’s populace has family members with psychological problems. So, how can you help someone facing such issues? This article explores certain methods for assisting an individual who suffers from psychological challenges. Remember that psychological problems aren’t treatable overnight. It would help if you were prepared to help that family member get better throughout the prescribed recovery process. But consider our below-mentioned suggestions to accelerate healing.
How can you help a mental health patient?
Unfortunately, getting mental health issues isn’t a rarity anymore. Many Americans now find themselves vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and depression. However – fortunately – mental health has ceased to stay a taboo subject in our society. Watching someone suffering from a psychological condition is always the worst of all experiences in your life. Nobody can bear observing a loved one’s mental health decline due to mental health issues. But how can you help them get better? Just do the things we have mentioned in this article. Don’t be afraid to hone your knowledge regarding that particular mental health condition. A person can help someone facing mental health challenges by doing the following simple things today:
1. Learn about treatments
Seek professional assistance for your troubled family member if you wish to help them recover. You can seek licensed therapists and counselors to accelerate the healing process. These days online courses are in trend as distance learning allows people to effectively gain a degree in counseling online.
Aspiring professionals can enroll in a Masters in counseling online no GRE, to hone their skills in the field and enter the workforce armed with the latest techniques. The course can be completed at your own pace and according to your schedule.
Once you know which treatment suits your client, you can help them set realistic goals to work on together. It includes developing a plan to get them there and outlining the steps they need to take. You will also need to help them understand any potential obstacles and work through any issues that may come up.
2. Notice the symptoms
Mental illness manifests itself via certain symptoms we call the red flags of declining mental health. So, noticing these signs can help you realize your friend is suffering. Sometimes, family members are the first to notice these warning signs before the patient does. Some of these signs are like:
- Insomnia
- Feeling hopeless
- Weight loss/gain
- Extreme mood swings
- Sudden anxiety attacks
- Appearing frequently disheveled
- Losing interest in favorite pastimes
- Listen to patients
Listening to someone suffering from mental issues can help that person seek treatment. So, communicate effectively with your troubled family member by listening to what they may say. A mental health patient needs someone who can listen without judgment. So, avoid shaming them or saying something judgmental. If they’re delusional, don’t contradict their delusions. Remember that your troubled loved ones are searching for someone who understands them. So, be understanding.
3. Ask some questions
Are you curious about your loved one’s mental health condition? There’s nothing wrong with a little curiosity. However, you may ask questions respectfully without feeling like trespassing. Learn that a person suffering from mental challenges wants people to understand. So, ask relevant questions to understand what happens in this particular mental health condition. Don’t say something like “I know what you’re going through” since you don’t. Let them tell you what they’re going through instead.
4. Express your concern
You can’t help mental health patients without earning their trust. Make them understand they don’t have to be alone because you’re there to support them during recovery. Recognize their courage as they open up to you and reassure them about healing. Inform them that you’re there to listen. Earn their trust so they can honestly explain their condition to you. Once they decide to open up, it shows they’re ready to seek treatment. You can keep convincing them to get better and retain sobriety.
5. Seek self-care too
Don’t neglect self-care while dealing with a troubled friend’s mental illness. Caregivers often suffer from a condition called “compassion fatigue” when they cease feeling bad for the patient. It’s been reported that over 70% of family caregivers go through caregiver burden. So, taking care of oneself prevents one from feeling compassion burnout. Eat healthily, sleep properly, and exercise regularly. That’s how you can stay healthy enough to effectively take care of your troubled family member.
6. Avoid harmful comments
We’ve just mentioned how you should avoid judging them. But often, people utter harmful remarks without even realizing it. For instance, saying things like “Cheer up,” “You’re fine,” or “It’s not serious” may feel belittling. It sounds like you’re disparaging that person’s suffering. Don’t try to brush off an individual’s psychological condition. When someone finds it secure enough to share their emotions, respect their experiences. You can’t help them by calling their suffering not worthy of attention.
7. Address potential barriers
What’s preventing the troubled person from seeking help? Find these potential barriers and help the family member overcome them. Eradicate every impediment stopping your loved one from seeking help. It’s healthy to anticipate these barriers to accelerate recovery. For instance, many Americans suffer from “iatrophobia” or “doctor anxiety.” So, you can accompany them during doctor visits. You may schedule an appointment to be comfortable for the patient to convince them to go there.
8. Help them out
Don’t just verbally support your troubled friend but practically express your willingness to help them. You can help them with daily chores since psychological challenges prevent folks from doing even simple tasks. For instance, you can drive them to their counselor or help them grab their meds from a pharmacy. Get their mail, wash their utensils, throw out the garbage, and be with them when they need company. Even the smallest act of kindness helps them feel much better.
9. Engage in hobbies
What sort of hobbies did you guys enjoy together? Mental health patients just wish to be “normal.” So, they appreciate it if you spend some time with them engaging in the pastimes you enjoyed in the past. Remember that behaving differently may worsen their condition and make them feel isolated. Keep them in your mind, contact them more often, and invite them to hang out with you. That’s how you can accelerate their recovery and keep them away from self-harm or other issues.
Conclusion
We’ve established that you can help patients recover from psychological conditions by following some of the suggestions discussed above. First of all, seek professional assistance. Find counselors to enhance your loved one’s recovery. Express your concern for them without shaming, judging, or pressuring them. Address potential barriers to the requisite treatment and focus on self-care as well. Listen to them with care, concern, and attention. Don’t make hurtful comments you deem helpful. For instance, saying stuff like “Cheer up, mate!” isn’t productive. Ask questions about their condition to make them trust you. You should support them practically by helping out with daily chores. That’s how you help your loved ones.