There seems to be a slight edge to their voice, and you find yourself walking on eggshells around them. You can see that they are no longer themselves. They maintain a façade around others to seem like their usual self, but only you notice what’s happening. They no longer find happiness in the activities they used to love, and that spark in their eyes is no longer alive. Their erratic mood swings and temperamental behavior have you at your wit’s end about how to talk to them. You can feel the strain in your relationship whenever you speak. And despite being in the same house, you never felt more apart. They are drowning in their problems but won’t let you in.
All you want to do is be there for them, reach out and ask what happened. But how? How do you approach their sorrow about which you have no idea? Moreover, are you equipped to deal with their issues without any prejudice? Self-doubt, helplessness, and the pain of seeing a loved one suffer plague you. Seeking help from a professional might be the thing they need. But you know they are in denial and detest the idea of admitting that they need help. So, how do you convince them to do what is best for them? How do you nudge them in the right direction without them feeling imposed?
One in every seven people in India has a mental illness. They range from depression and anxiety to severe conditions like schizophrenia. The World Health Organization has declared India as the most depressed country globally. Based on a study conducted for NCMH (National Care Of Medical Health). The country lacks a general awareness of mental health and professionals alike.
There has always been a myth and taboo around mental health. People see mental health as unimportant. And deem seeing a therapist as a sign of ‘weakness.’ These thoughts have deterred many from seeking help. Whether it is your teenage child or partner of many years, you must act as the first line of support while dealing with mental illness for your loved ones. Stay alert when you notice prolonged changes in behavior: suicidal thoughts, self-harm, reckless conduct, substance abuse, or intense feelings around simple tasks. Your loved one might be experiencing problems that need immediate mental health treatment.
Understanding what they are going through in a tough time is essential. When someone we care about is in pain, the first instinct is to find out what is bothering them. We want to ask them to tell us about their problems and if there is anything we can do for them. Yet, it might not be the best approach when dealing with mental health issues—a professional acts as a neutral individual trained to deal with such matters. Not only do they facilitate a safe space for the person to understand and deal with their problems. But they also empower the person to solve the problem on their own.
Treatments for mental illness are highly effective. Those suffering from mental health problems must receive moral support. Or sometimes motivation) from their loved ones to seek help.
Recently, India has made significant strides by abolishing the stigma around mental health. And awareness alone can make a huge difference. The first step in approaching any mental health is acceptance. Convincing someone to seek help is a sensitive and delicate matter. The last thing you want to do is completely turn one against the idea. It is a tricky situation that needs compassion, empathy, utmost care, and zero judgment. Here are some ways to convince your loved one to seek professional help:
Show Support and Offer Help
The first step toward offering support is to sit and talk whenever they feel comfortable. To have an effective conversation, make it clear that you and your loved one are on the same team. It isn’t a debate where the two of you have to be right or wrong. Instead, it is a dialogue about finding the best option to tackle the problem together. There are many misconceptions and myths surrounding seeking help for mental health. So it is helpful to offer emotional support.
Keep in mind that you are using comforting words and destigmatizing language. Instead of an accusatory tone, like saying, “You never tell me what is wrong,” Use a more comforting approach. Like “I have been feeling that you are not letting me know if something is bothering you.”
In some cases, the person might be aware they need help. But they might shy away from the whole process or feel overwhelmed. You might contact therapists or research professionals who suit their area of concern best. Assist them in finding the therapist who would be best for them. If it is too much trouble for them to go through the whole process alone, offer to sign up for a family or group session. You could go with them for the first few counseling sessions. Or wait outside during the appointment. The most important thing is to ensure they know you are there whenever they need you.
Be Sensitive and Value Their Privacy
Talking to someone about such a delicate issue is tricky. It is up to them to decide when and who they want to tell about seeking help. Respect the privacy of the person seeking help. Assure them that you understand the matter’s sensitivity and won’t disclose it to anyone else. Establish a trust that you will not treat them differently or pass judgment on them for seeking help. Creating a comfortable setting where they feel secure enough to trust and talk to you is crucial. Talk to them in private, and do not involve others. Do not start the conversation in front of others. They need to know that the situation is in their hands and feel in control of who knows about it. Instead, respect their strength. Remind them of their admirable qualities. Share your personal experiences with seeking help; even your journey to recovery, if possible. But, never compare their distress to someone else’s.
Betraying their trust by divulging information to others will only create more conflict. Leaving them more isolated than ever before.
Present Compelling Reasons, but Expect Resistance
When convincing someone to reach out for a helping hand, you should keep an open mind. Your loved one might outrightly deny that they need help. Or, in some cases, even suggest that seeking help from a professional is not a good idea. They might want to talk their way out of it by saying they have alternatives. In such a situation, breaking down why they need to visit a therapist into clear points is essential. Point out specific changes in behavior without coming off as judgmental.
Leverage your relationship lovingly and explain how this is affecting both of you.
Never give an ultimatum under any circumstances. It might come off as emotionally blackmailing. Sit down and talk to them about specific areas of concern. How it affects your special relationship with them, and how this affects you and them both.
3. Try to find the silver lining
It is essential to try and focus on the outcome of getting therapy. It is a good idea to start convincing your loved ones to look on the brighter side of seeking help. The journey toward healing is not easy. Some difficulties will follow. It can be tough seeing your loved ones go through such trouble. Counseling sessions help find a better insight about oneself. It might sound practical, but it can be overwhelming for the person going through it.
Thus, you have to encourage them about the journey they will be going through. Assure them about the benefits of getting therapy. Focus on how healing can help them overcome their hardships.
4. Be the one who tackles the scary stuff.
Going through therapy might sound overwhelming at first. It requires a lot of courage to admit that someone needs help, let alone find a suitable therapist. Your role as a supporting individual should be to offer support. Do your research about every possible thing that you might think can make it easier for them to go through the treatment process. Find out about your local mental health clinics and support groups.
If going to an unfamiliar place sounds scary, look for online therapy sessions. Online sessions can benefit someone who is starting for the first time. They can confide in the solace of their safe space.
To Sum It Up:
Acknowledging that someone has a problem and seeking help for it can be daunting. Being supportive is essential, and so is celebrating every small success. Assure that you are making an effort for their well-being. Establish that you are a confidante who values their growth, privacy, and strength. Encourage them to speak to a mental health professional. Get in touch with an expert from the comfort of your home on DocVita.