Anyone can experience a mental health issue but it can also affects that person’s family members and friends as well. Similarly, friends and family can sometimes make all the difference in helping the person to cope. Watching a loved one suffer needlessly can make you feel powerless, but empowering yourself with the right information will enable you to help them.
If your loved one is struggling with a psychological issue, here’s what you can do to support them:
Encourage them to get help. Mental illnesses like depression and anxiety can be debilitating and can rob people of their ability to function normally. Because of this, professional intervention is necessary. Some may feel reluctant to get help because they may think that seeking treatment for a psychological issue is admitting to being ‘mad’ (even today there’s still a lot of stigma attached to mental health in Trinidad and Tobago). They may even feel ashamed to get help but professional intervention is critical because it is the first step in identifying and treating the problem. A mental disorder may also go undiagnosed because the person suffering from it isn’t aware that the abnormalities experienced (such as a persistent sad or anxious mood) are not normal. This is why it is vital for friends and family members to speak up when they notice a change in the person’s behavior. Sometimes, it may be even necessary to accompany them to their doctor or counselor. This simple act in itself can convey support and encouragement to your loved one.
Educate yourself. Often, mental illnesses are misunderstood (hence the stigma), and a lot of false information and stereotypes are perpetuated about people with mental illnesses. Learning about whatever psychological disorder your loved one is suffering from is an important step in helping them. You can start by doing as much research as possible to learn about the nature, symptoms and treatment options of the mental illness in question. You can also ask your doctor to help you understand the nature of mental health issue. Also, websites such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website- https://www.mentalhealth.gov or the American Psychological Association’s website- http://www.apa.org/ both provide a wealth of information on psychological disorders.
Respect their experience. When someone is battling with a psychological issue, they often feel alone in their struggles. They may want to speak to someone, but not know how ask for the help. On the other hand, they may be reluctant to confide in someone since they may feel that no one will understand their pain. If someone trusts you enough to confide in you about what they are experiencing, listen without being judgmental and making assumptions or suggestions. Just let them talk about how they feel and what they are experiencing. By being patient, giving them time to speak and genuinely listening, you are demonstrating understanding and respect for their experience and their feelings.
Let them know that you support them. Seeing a loved one suffer needlessly from an ailment that can’t be quickly treated can make you feel helpless. When it comes to helping someone cope with a mental health issue, healing doesn’t come instantly but your support can help them along the path to feeling better.
While it’s important to encourage your loved one to get help, also understand that the healing process takes time. Even when your loved one receives an official diagnosis of a mental health disorder, recovery will not happen right away. For example, in the case of a nervous breakdown (which may be result of a combination of stressful factors experienced over a period of time), relief may not come immediately. Just as the problem took time to develop, so too will treatment take in helping the person deconstruct the issue and create coping strategies.
Many disorders, particularly those that have been undiagnosed for a long period of time, respond better to long-term treatment than short-term methods. If the person has been put on medication, it may take weeks before it becomes effective. Behavioral changes may take even longer. This is why it is important to understand the healing process and to continue giving your support even if your loved one is frustrated because they can’t readily see any positive changes. On the other hand, if treatment appears to be ineffective or may even be further damaging to the person’s mental health, the best thing you can do is suggest that they speak with their doctor or mental health provider.
Because experiencing a mental health issue can prevent someone from functioning normally, providing support can also include:
Sometimes they may not accept that they need help or support. In this case, it is important to understand that making a decision to seek help can be a tough thing for them to do.