Indications of a mental health predicament can be incredibly profound, and the stigma surrounding the topic stops people from seeking a helping hand. Here is how you can spot and help a loved one in psychological trauma.
Statistics claim that 1 in 5 people are stuck in a mental health crossroad every year. To put it into perspective, that is 43.8 million adults per year in the US alone!
Potential Filmmaker/Shutterstock: Spotting a mental condition
Although the figures scream right at our faces, the importance of mental health is unfairly belittled. There is a big black blemish revolving around the topic that halts people from sharing their stories, and ironically, talking about trauma is the best way to deal with it.
Spotting a mental condition is the first step in the right direction, which is the toughest part. Psychological Consultants and experts encourage to look for ‘major shifts in interests, motivation, mood, and behavior.’
It is all about observing and noticing. Get there, and you will soon pull the person out of the darkest place in their heads.
tegan/Unsplash: Look for signs
Quite often, they lose interest in activities that they used to love and maybe even enjoy doing! Some also become less outgoing and less ‘socially involved.’ Look for worsening signs at school or work, like dropping grades, unfinished assignments, and late nights are most important.
People in mental health dilemma withdraw from relationships with even the closest friends and family.
“Always ask!” says Ashley Womble, director of communications at the Crisis Text Line. Even though it might be tough and maybe even awkward, the best way to reach out to a loved one in psychological agony is toopenly ask if they are okay.
Perhaps it would be even better if you could remind them that there is help, if only they would ask for it. Suffering inside the head could be straining; you can make things a lot better by directly initiating a friendly, reassuring conversation.
Staglin, a victim of Schizophrenia since 18, lost interest in activities he used to love doing. He says that he lost focus and went hiking on forgotten trails. Staglin also mentioned that his father’s blunt and caring approach meant the world to him. “His reassurance reminded me how much I wanted to feel the love for my family and galvanized me to get well.”
It’s important that you reach out in an environment safe for the person suffering from an illness. A calming surrounding with a reassuring vibe that promises to heal is vital. Only then do they have the safe haven that they dearly need to converse.
frankie's/Shutterstock: Tell them to ask for a helping hand
Tell them there’s always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark, and tell them that you are there to listen and, above all, to understand. That would mean the world to your loved one, and it might ignite hope, which is indeed the medicine for mental strain.
