It is not always easy to understand human behavior and judge the mental health of people you love. Being concerned about the mental health of a family or friend can be distressing, especially if you have no idea what they might be struggling with within their mind. While there is no easy way to be sure of a diagnosis, you need to be patient and look for a few symptoms that indicate any mental disorder.
A sudden change in behavior and emotional outburst might only be a sign of being anxious, but repetitive behavior means you must find mental health support for your loved ones.
Disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, sudden weight loss, and lack of appetite are strong indicators of mental sickness like depression. If your loved ones stay isolated, call in sick at work more than usual, or refuse to join social gathers, then this may be a sign of a mental health condition. If you suspect substance abuse, such as consuming addictive medications like sleeping pills or too much alcohol, you need to talk to them and show support. Suppose someone close to you is suffering from a mental health condition. In that case, you can learn about mental health disorders by opting for applied psychology programs online and investing in understanding human behaviors.
There are several ways you can support your loved ones with mental health problems;
Be a good listener and do not judge them
When talking to someone struggling with their mental health, you should hear them out without judging. Take out some time without distractions, let them take the lead in the conversation. Keep your questions open-ended such as: “Would you like to share how you are feeling?” instead of, “it looks like you are not in a good mood.” You need to have a neutral tone of voice so that they don’t feel pressured in any way. Avoid diagnosing their illness or indicating that they have symptoms of a disorder. Do not let them be ashamed about talking to a psychologist brisbane or seeking therapy. Be present and carefully listen to what they have to say and encourage them to seek professional help.
Assist them in seeking professional consultation
Mental health illnesses do not go away on their own. Accepting that you require professional help is difficult. The first few visits to the psychologist are going to be tough. During this period, your loved one needs your unconditional and meaningful support and assistance. Assist them to the psychologist visits or while they do that on their own, offer to help them with kids or with tasks at work. Meaningful support and empathy can add value to their life during their struggle.
Learn about their illness and the treatment
Education is the foundation of support in this case. It is not easy to understand the way people with mental disorders view the world. Simple tasks like getting out of bed, cooking, changing clothes, or getting groceries is a battle they keep losing. You need to research their symptoms and learn how to ease them off. Observe and learn what helps them and what invokes their behavior. Sometimes people with the same mental disorder might have different symptoms. Being involved in the treatment will help you understand better. Learn what improvements you may see and what side effects may occur. Help them set realistic goals and set a one step at a time approach to reach these goals. Studies have shown that involving family in the process of ongoing treatment helps in the reduction of symptoms and relapses.
Be patient and realistic during the treatment
Remember to have realistic expectations during treatment and recovery. Assuming immediate results from the ongoing treatment won’t help you. Be in touch with their doctor and keep yourself updated about the treatment. Expect relapses and fluctuation in stress levels during the treatment and be prepared to tackle them as the doctor suggests. Let them grasp the treatment at own their own pace and appreciate each step towards improvement. Tell them you are proud each time they go for their appointments, as you see them try.
Find Support groups
Support groups are a great way to find people who are going through similar mental disorders. It also helps to stay away from the stigma of not speaking about mental health. In support groups, people share their journeys and seem to look out for one another. Research shows being around people with similar mental health disorders can have a positive impact on their treatment. They feel safe and welcomed in such support groups and, socializing helps them get better.
Finally, having someone close go through a mental health disorder isn’t easy, and in this process, you also need to take care of yourself. Support groups are a great way to seek assistance from families who are going through something similar.
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Remember, even after treatment, there might be a few reoccurrences of the symptoms. It may take a little more time for your loved ones to recover completely. You need to offer them the best network of support you can and avoid anything that you think might cause a relapse. Having said this, a healthy lifestyle, unconditional love and, endless support from friends and family will allow a person with mental health disorder to live a happy and fulfilled life.