Mental Health Takeover
Trigger Warning!
In this blog, I'm going to talk about
How to care for those with a mental health disorder
Millions of people struggle with some kind of mental disorder. Whether it may be, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, depression, OCD, BPD, Schizophrenia or any other disorder. We've all had an experience with something like this, either it being ourselves dealing with it or someone we know.
Here are a few ways on how to care for someone who is dealing with (a) mental disorder(s).
Be Compassionate. Being compassionate towards someone dealing with a mental disorder is very helpful for many reasons. It makes them feel comforted, cared for and not alone. There is a sense of safety and security while being around someone who is showing compassion, sympathy and kindness.
Don’t Force Conversation. If a person is having a problem, your go to thought may be to try and get them to talk about how they feel. When you may have good intentions, it could possibly make the situation worse and the person could feel uncomfortable. Don't force them to talk about how they feel. Just let them know if they ever need someone to talk to, then you're there for them. They will talk to you if they trust you enough. But sometimes people who are dealing with something, just need some space and that's completely okay too.
Understand Their Feelings. This is a very important thing to do. Listen to what they say and how they feel. By showing them that you're listening and understand them, it makes them feel as if their feelings are valid and like you respect how they feel. Just make sure you don't try to diagnose or make assumptions about how they feel.
Seek Help if There is Danger. If you believe someone is in a serious problem or immediate danger, make sure to seek for help. Contact local authorities, a parent and make sure the person is safe and okay. I would also like to leave numbers to hotlines below, incase anyone needs them:
International Suicide Hotline: https://faq.whatsapp.com/id/android/28030010/
What To Do In Crisis
lDon't confront them.
lAsk if they would like for you to call someone for them.
lTry to find something that will help them and give them reassurance.
lBe sure to speak in a relaxed and calm manner.
lBe aware of a person becoming upset or confused by your conversation with them.
lTry and reduce the amount of stress in this very stressful situation.
Note: When I say crisis, I mean if it's a crisis that can be taken care of, not a dangerous crisis that needs the help of professionals.
Things To Avoid Saying/Doing
Things you shouldn't say:
l"It's all in your head"
l"Just think positive and stop being negative"
l"Change your mindset"
l"Stop being weird"
l"Everyone always feels this way at some point"
l"Just distract yourself"
l"Try harder because you're not trying hard enough to get better"
Things To Not Do:
lDon't blame them or yell.
lTalking too much or rapidly. It can cause them to feel overwhelmed.
lMaking assumptions about their situation.
lBeing sarcastic or making jokes about their disorder.
lDon't show hostility because it could escalate the situation and make them feel unsafe.
Things To Say/Do
Things To Say:
l"How are you?"
l"You can be honest with me"
l"I'm here for you"
l"What can I do to help?"
l"Take your time"
l"I know you can't control it"
l"I love you and care for you"
(Note: Also sometimes people don't want someone to say something to them and all they want is for someone to listen.)
Things To Do:
lInform yourself as much as possible about the disorder being faced.
lAvoid falling into the role of being their "fixer". You can try to help someone but you can't fix them.
lHave realistic expectations about their recovery process. Healing takes time and doesn't happen quickly.
lEncourage treatment.
lHelp set specific goals that are realistic and can be approached one step at a time.
lProvide emotional support.
lKeep social contact, as in involving your friend or family member in social events or just checking in on them.
Here are websites on how to care for/support others who have mental disorders if you'd like to learn more:
Thank you for reading, and I hope you all have a nice rest of your day.
Links to other takeover blogs:
Comments