This is about learning to communicate with a loved one about mental illness because you are concerned. And hoping they trust you enough to let you help them
If you know someone that might be struggling with mental health illness, you can start by talking to them. It is important to know the conversation may not go as planned.
They may deny it or become defensive. They may change the subject. This could be because they are not ready to accept that they may have a mental health illness.
Or
They could just need time to be able to open up or they could end up completely opening up to you. The conversation could go longer or shorter then you anticipated. Before prepared for it to go either way.
Talking to someone you’re worried about may make all the difference. You can help them feel less alone and more supported.
* Here's some things you can try during the conversation and some examples questions you can try. *
Ask if they're okay:
Simply asking how someone is going is a great way to start the conversation. Explain the differences you’ve notices and ask them if they’re OK.
Be genuine:
Raise the topic in a way that feels comfortable to you. There’s no right or wrong way to say that you’re concerned. Just be genuine.
“Would you like to talk with me about what’s happened? I’m worried about you.”
Explain why you’re concerned:
What have your notices that’s worried you? Maybe their mood has changed or they’ve been acting differently.
“You haven’t seemed yourself lately - is everything OK?”
“I’ve noticed that you’re not going out much with us at the moment, what’s going on?”
Be prepared to wait :
They may not want to talk about their mental health yet. Don’t pressure them. By noticing and saying something, you’ve shown you care and are willing to have the conversation when they’re ready.
“OK, but you know you can talk to me if you ever need to.”
* Focus instead on staying in touch and doing things together that might make them feel less alone. Look for opportunities to talk about it again later. *
* Suggest other people they might prefer to talk to, such as a friends, family or health care provider. *
Listen to what they tell you:
Encourage them to talk about what’s going on. Listen to how they feel, what they’re thinking and what they’re doing differently.
“Just take your time, there’s no rush. I know talking about this can be difficult.”
Take your time :
Take time to try to understand their experience of feeling anxious or depressed. Everyone’s experience is unique. Recognise and validate how they’re feeling.
“I can hear that the last few months have been really terrible for you. Please tell me more about it.”
Don’t give advice:
It’s natural to want to solve the problem to make them feel better. However, the most helpful thing you can do is listen. It's important to give them space to talk and feel heard. Try to avoid making assumptions or offering solutions, advice or a diagnosis.
“How are you feeling about that? How’s that affecting you?”
Be comfortable with silence:
A silence may make you feel uncomfortable at first but see it as a chance for you both to gather your thoughts. Help them to feel at ease and follow their lead.
“What’s that like for you?”
Don’t judge:
Be non-judgmental if they share things that are hard to hear or you don’t understand. Together you can work out how to move forward.
“Can I just check that I have understood you correctly?”
Things to keep in mind if you want to Support them in get the help they need :
Check your understanding of the situation and what you might be able to do to help.
“What can I do to support you?”
“What have you tried already? "
Confidentiality:
Keep what they tell you private, unless they’re at risk of hurting themselves or someone else.
“I know it can be hard to talk about this – thanks for trusting me with it.”
Reassurance:
Reassure them they are not alone and there is hope that things can get better.
“You don’t have to deal with this on your own. I’m here for you. Things can get better.”
Patience:
Be patient, help them to overcome any setbacks, and point out any improvements you see.
Discuss problems:
Ask about what the barriers they have.
Ask them about the obstacles they are faced with.
Ask about there worries and fears.
-Barriers can stop someone from getting help.
-Obstacles can slow a person down or make it harder to reach there end goal.
- worries and fears may cause to much anxiety and that could cause them to avoid certain people or places that might help.
~Just a reminder to keep these things in mind ~
* Ask them to be honest about how you can help them. The support they need will change throughout their recovery so be prepared to be flexible.
Sometimes they may be so overwhelmed that they won’t know how you can help. Taking initiative and doing small things to show you care can also help.
* You don’t have to have the answers. What’s important is that you’re willing to stick around and help them figure out how to start feeling better.
* It can take time for people to be ready to talk to you or a mental health professional. Don’t make your support conditional on them seeing a health professional.
* At the end of the conversation, remind them that different kinds of help and support . This can include a support group, mental health professional, all natural remedies or medication and therapy.
Reassure them that they’re not alone, you are here to help when they are ready. Also tell them no matter what, you will Respect their decision.
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