What to do if you are concerned about someone’s Mental Health

Concerned about someone’s Mental Health?

If you notice a change in someone’s behaviour, it could be that someone you care about is developing a mental illness.

Whether this is related to a loved one, a friend or a colleague, these changes may be sudden, or could have developed over time.

Mental health issues can affect anybody and bridging the subject is not always easy to approach. Whilst you can help by encouraging someone to get help from their doctor or General Practitioner (GP), they may not be willing to.

Mental health referrals for other people are available but not necessarily the best course of action – if it is, you can contact a GP or local mental health services. But seeking mental health help does not come naturally for a lot of people.

If you are concerned about the mental health of someone you love, why not call Action Rehab today? We can offer you a range of advice on mental health issues. Please call us today on 0151 268 6992 to see how we can help.

Signs and Symptoms

If you’re concerned about someone’s mental health, it’s useful to be aware of the signs and symptoms that can reveal mental health issues. We all go through difficult and stressful parts of our life that can lead to a change normal behaviour.

Short-term changes to behaviours is not uncommon and feeling more angry, stressed or sad are not necessarily indications of a mental illness.

You may have noticed someone you care about become more anxious, argumentative and irritable. They may also have started to self-harm, suffer from mood swings, have a reduced or decreased appetite and memory and concentration problems. Worst still, they may have developed suicidal feelings and thoughts.

Everyone is different and signs and symptoms may differ a great deal between different people but these are common examples that should help you to identify when someone may need to seek mental health help.

Different types of Mental Health Concerns

There are a number of reasons that can cause someone’s mental health to deteriorate. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on mental health globally. Mental health during lockdown and Coronavirus and mental health have been a real concern for many. Even with the vaccination programme, the thought of a return to normality causes anxiety to some.

Another common link is work, stress and mental health. Many people have stressful jobs that can eventually lead to mental health issues.

Mental health in the workplace is something that is considered more than it has been in previous years, but like men’s mental health, it still has something of a stigma attached.

But there’s no one kind of person who is affected by mental health issues – it can happen to anyone from any background. And being able to spot the signs is the key to helping yourself, or others, before an issue becomes very serious.

Encourage your loved one to get help

If your loved one is over 18 then they can only be forced to have treatment if they are detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. You can encourage them to seek assistance from their GP – a GP can prescribe medication for some mental health conditions or where required, refer someone to a psychiatrist.

However, you may find resistance from a loved one who may not wish to visit their GP. They may not think that a GP can help, do not think that they are unwell or feel too frighted, ashamed or embarrassed to talk to a doctor.

If you wanted to broach the subject, you can help by trying to imagine how you’d feel in the shoes of the person you’re worried about. They may feel as though you are picking away at them and patience and calmness as well as being sympathetic is important. You can also highlight that you can accompany them to a doctor’s appointment if required, that most mental health conditions are treatable and GP notes are strictly confidential.

When a loved one refuses help

If a loved one refuses to see a doctor, you may need to request assistance on their behalf. You may be able to share your worries with their GP if you know who they are. You will need to explain clearly why you have concerns, stick to the facts and provide examples.

Giving evidence in changes of behaviour will help the GP to determine the best course of action. It may help you to keep a diary noting behavioural concerns, or provide a text, email or any form of written details of unusual, sometimes upsetting behaviour.

It will also aid the GP if they are made aware of any history of mental illness in the immediate family.

The GP may invite you to an appointment, or you may decide to book an appointment of your own. A GP may invite your loved one for a check up or may be able to take part in a home visit, but this will require consent.

As a GP may need to share the information you’ve provided, you may be concerned about the trust between you and your loved one. It’s important to ask the GP to be sensitive.

How Action Rehab can help

If you’ve been searching for topics such as “a loved one mental health” or “Signs of mental health issues symptoms” it could be that you are concerned for the mental health of a loved one, friend or colleague and want to do something about it.

Action Rehab are here to help. We are able to provide you with guidance and advice on how to help someone you care about who is in distress and whether you would like any help with mental health referrals.

You can call us on 0151 268 6992, and we are available 24 hours a day. Why not call us today to see how we can help you or a loved one to lift the clouds of mental health troubles?

Posted on Friday, March 26th, 2021 at 10:03 am in Addiction, Latest News.