How can I help someone having a mental health crisis
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Summary: Supporting someone with mental health challenges can be difficult, especially when they resist help. Understanding their reasons, offering compassionate support, and encouraging professional guidance can make a difference. This guide outlines why people may refuse help, practical ways to assist, and the importance of mental health resources like the Mental Health Care Plan (MHTP). Whether helping an adult or a child, patience, empathy, and consistency are key in their journey toward better mental well-being.
Mental health challenges affect millions of people worldwide, yet it’s often a topic that’s brushed under the rug or misunderstood. Approximately 1 in 5 Australian adults experience a mental illness every year. Watching someone you care about struggle with their mental health can feel like being a spectator, wanting to intervene but not knowing how. It’s tough when they don’t seem to want your help, especially when all you want is to make things better for them. But what should you do when your attempt to help them is met with resistance? How do you navigate this tricky situation where your concern is rejected? It’s a tough spot, but understanding their emotions, respecting their space, and finding the right balance between helping and stepping back is the key.
Mental health challenges affect millions of people worldwide, yet it’s often a topic that’s brushed under the rug or misunderstood. Approximately 1 in 5 Australian adults experience a mental illness every year. Watching someone you care about struggle with their mental health can feel like being a spectator, wanting to intervene but not knowing how. It’s tough when they don’t seem to want your help, especially when all you want is to make things better for them. But what should you do when your attempt to help them is met with resistance? How do you navigate this tricky situation where your concern is rejected? It’s a tough spot, but understanding their emotions, respecting their space, and finding the right balance between helping and stepping back is the key.
Why would someone refuse help?
Even with the most empathetic and well-timed effort, a person might not accept help when offered. The reasons behind this refusal are often a mix of circumstances, upbringing, beliefs, and past experiences. The reasons why someone might refuse help may be affected by:- Embarrassment or shame: They may feel uncomfortable or conscious about their circumstances and be afraid of facing judgment from others.
- Lack of awareness: They may not acknowledge the severity of their mental health struggle or believe it’s not significant enough to seek expert help.
- Distrust: They might be sceptical of others or mental health experts, causing hesitation in reaching out for help.
- Overwhelm or hesitation to change: The thought of confronting their problems and making adjustments might feel overwhelming or too tough to cope with.
- Fear of exposure: Opening about personal struggles could feel unsafe, and they may fear exposing their weaknesses or being too vulnerable.
- Fear of judgment: The negative perception of mental health problems could prevent them from asking for help, as they might fear being labelled or treated in a biased way.
- Trust in personal strength: Some people may feel they should deal with their struggles independently and may view seeking help as a sign of weakness.
How to help someone with mental health issues?
Supporting someone with mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, but your care and understanding can make a real difference. This guide offers practical and compassionate steps to help those who might be mentally struggling:Approach with empathy and non-judgment:
A fundamental initial step is to approach the individual with kindness and understanding. Refrain from dismissive expressions such as "Just cheer up" or "Everyone experiences this at times." Instead, it is beneficial to validate their emotions and provide reassurance by stating, "I am here for you. You do not have to navigate this situation alone," or "While I may not completely comprehend your feelings, I am committed to supporting you."Encourage open communication:
Individuals facing mental health challenges frequently find it difficult to articulate their emotions. It is essential to foster a safe environment that encourages them to share their thoughts. This can be achieved by actively listening without interruptions, posing open-ended inquiries such as, "How have you been feeling recently?" and abstaining from judgment and criticism. Your readiness to listen without immediately seeking to resolve their issues can provide more comfort than one might expect.Offer practical support:
For some individuals grappling with mental health concerns, daily responsibilities may become overwhelming. Practical assistance, such as aiding with household tasks, accompanying them to medical appointments, or helping with grocery shopping and meal preparation, can prove beneficial. Simple acts of kindness may alleviate their stress and convey a sense of care.Encourage professional help:
Mental health specialists, including therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists, offer specialised support. Should your loved one exhibit reluctance in seeking assistance, consider proposing collaborative research into therapists or support groups, normalising therapy by sharing positive experiences if applicable, and assisting them in scheduling appointments. Professional guidance is essential for the effective management of mental health conditions.Learn about mental health resources:
Acquiring knowledge regarding mental health services can assist in directing your loved one toward appropriate resources. Available options may include national and local mental health hotlines, online therapy platforms, support groups tailored to specific conditions, and reputable websites. By providing access to these resources, you may empower them to take proactive steps in their recovery journey.Be patient and consistent:
The process of recovery from mental health concerns requires time, and progress may not always follow a straightforward path. It is important to avoid placing undue pressure on the individual to "recover" promptly. Instead, maintain regular communication without intrusiveness, celebrate minor achievements, and offer unwavering support during challenging periods. Your consistent presence can serve as a source of comfort and resilience.Take care of yourself:
Providing support to someone experiencing mental health difficulties can be emotionally taxing. It is vital to prioritise your well-being by establishing healthy boundaries, seeking support from friends or counsellors, and engaging in self-care activities, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies.Know when to seek emergency help:
In critical situations, mental health disorders may precipitate crises, including suicidal ideation or self-harming behaviour. If an individual expresses thoughts of self-harm, it is essential to treat these statements seriously. Encourage them to seek immediate assistance from a professional, contact emergency services if there is imminent danger, and remain with them until help arrives. Your prompt action may be instrumental in preserving a life.
What is the Mental Health Care Plan?
The Mental Health Care Plan online is a vital resource that delivers professional guidance and systematic support to individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. Through this plan, individuals gain access to qualified therapists, support groups, or treatment plans based on empirical evidence, all designed to effectively manage their mental health conditions. The MHTP can be customised to meet the unique needs of each individual, providing various therapeutic options, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), medication management, and holistic treatment methods. Encouraging individuals to consider MHTP represents an important step in their recovery process, equipping them with the necessary tools and professional support to enhance their mental well-being.Supporting an adult:
Assisting an adult facing mental health challenges necessitates an understanding approach. Methods of providing support include:- Encouraging the individual to pursue professional assistance, such as that offered by MHTP.
- Listening intently without passing judgment and providing emotional support.
- Helping with daily responsibilities to reduce their stress levels.
- Regularly checking in to be a consistent source of encouragement.
- Offering information regarding available mental health resources and treatment alternatives.
Assisting children and adolescents:
Children and teenagers often exhibit mental health challenges in ways that differ from adults. Their symptoms might appear as changes in behaviour, difficulties in academic performance, or social withdrawal. To offer effective support, one might consider the following strategies:- Promoting open communication by establishing a safe and non-judgmental environment.
- Observing for signs of emotional distress and encouraging the expression of feelings.
- Seeking professional assistance, such as through MHTP, to facilitate early intervention.
- Maintaining a structured and supportive atmosphere both at home and in educational settings.
- Gaining knowledge about adolescent mental health to provide appropriate guidance.
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This content is created for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. For emergencies please immediately contact 000.
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Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help
Get affordable healthcare on your terms, with quick access to qualified, Australian-registered telehealth doctors & health practitioners, 24/7, 365 days a year. No more searching for ‘doctors near me‘ – Hola connects you instantly.
Call 000 for emergency or urgent medical help.
Address: 79 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Email: support@hola.health
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