How do you know if someone has a mental health problem?
Sometimes it seems obvious when someone is going through a difficult time, but there is no easy way to know if they have a mental health problem. Sometimes you don’t need to know. It is more important to respond sensitively to someone who seems troubled than whether or not they have a diagnosis.
Although certain symptoms are common during specific mental health conditions, no two people behave the same way when they are ill. You may notice changes in their behavior or mood if you know the person well.
OUR AZ of mental health provides information on various mental health issues.
How can I help?
There are many ways to help a friend, relative or colleague who has a mental health problem:
Talking about mental health
It can be difficult to know what to do if you’re worried about someone. When you know there is a problem, it is essential not to wait. Waiting and hoping that they will come to you for help could waste valuable time getting their support.
Talking to someone is often the first step when you know they are going through a difficult time. This way you can find out what is troubling them and what you can do to help them.
Eight tips for talking about mental health
1. Set aside time without distractions
It is important to provide an open, judgment-free space without distractions.
2. Let them share as much or as little as they want
Let them lead the discussion at their own pace. Don’t force them to tell you something they aren’t ready to talk about. Speaking can take a lot of confidence and courage. You may be the first person they’ve told about it.
3. Don’t try to diagnose or question their feelings
You are probably not a medical expert, and while you are happy to talk and offer support, you are not a qualified counselor. Try not to make assumptions about what is wrong and not jump too quickly into your own diagnosis or solutions.
4. Keep questions open-ended
Say, “Why don’t you tell me how you feel?” rather than “I see you are feeling very depressed.” Try to keep your language neutral. Give the person time to respond and try not to pepper them with too many questions.
5. Talk about self-care
Discuss ways to de-stress or practice self-care and ask if they find anything helpful. Exercising, eating a healthy diet and getting a good night’s sleep can help protect mental health and maintain well-being.
6. Listen carefully to what they tell you
Repeat what they said to them to make sure you understood it correctly. You don’t have to agree with what they say, but showing them that you understand how they feel lets them know that you respect their feelings.
7. Offer them help in seeking professional support and provide information on how to do so
You may want to offer to go to the GP with him or help him talk to a friend or family member. Try not to take control and let them make decisions.
8. Know your limits
You will have your own limits on the support you can provide. And it’s also important to take care of yourself. Give yourself time to rest and process what they said to you or what happened. Try to help them create a support network of other friends, relatives, and mental health professionals who can also help them.
Remember, if you think they are in immediate danger or have injuries requiring medical attention, you should take urgent action to ensure their safety. Below you will find more details on managing a crisis.
If you are worried about a family member or close friend, they may not want to talk to you. Try not to take this personally: talking to someone you love can be difficult because they might worry about hurting you. It’s important to continue to be open and honest and tell them you care. It may also be helpful to give them information about organizations or people they can contact. A list can be found below.
How to react in the event of a crisis?
People with mental health problems sometimes experience a crisis, such as having suicidal thoughts or experiencing their own or a different reality.
You may also feel a sense of crisis, but it is important to stay calm.
There are some general strategies you can use to help yourself:
- Listen without judgment and focus on your needs at the moment
- Ask them what could help them
- Reassure and provide practical information or resources.
- Avoid confrontation
- Ask if there is anyone they would like you to contact
- Encourage them to seek appropriate professional help
- If they are injured, make sure they get the first aid they need
Seeing, hearing, or believing things that no one else does can be a symptom of a mental health problem. It can be scary and upsetting. Gently remind the person who you are and why you are there. Do not reinforce or dismiss their experiences; recognize how the symptoms make them feel.
How to react if someone is suicidal?
If someone tells you they are feeling suicidal or cannot continue, it is very important to encourage them to get help. You or they should contact a GP or NHS 111. They can also contact Samaritans immediately by calling 116 123 (UK) free of charge at any time. They might also get help from friends, family or mental health services.
You can ask them how they are feeling and let them know you are available to listen. Talking can be a big help to someone who is feeling suicidal, but it can be painful for you. You need to talk to someone about your feelings; the Samaritans can help you.
If they are considering suicide, please encourage them to call 999 (UK) or go to the emergency room and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health professionals who work with people in great distress.
Useful organizations and resources
The first person to consult is your family doctor. they should be able to advise you on treatment and will be able to refer you to another local professional. Check out our guide on How to talk to your GP about your mental health.
Specialized mental health services
Several specialist services offer various treatments, including counseling and other talking treatments. These different services are often coordinated by a community mental health team (CMHT), usually based either in a hospital or in a local community mental health center. Some teams provide 24-hour service so you can contact them in the event of a crisis. You should be able to contact your local CMHT through your local social services or social work team.
Samaritans
THE Samaritans offer emotional support 24 hours a day, with complete confidence. Call 116 123 or email
(email protected)
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Mind Information Line
Spirit provides information on a range of mental health topics to support people in their own area, 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday. Call 0300 123 3393 or email
(email protected)
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Rethinking the advice and information service
Rethink provides specific solution-based advice: 0300 5000 927 E-mail:
(email protected)
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Anxiety
Anxiety UK operates a helpline staffed by volunteers with personal experience of anxiety from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday. Call 08444 775 774.
Advice to citizens
Advice to citizens provides free, independent and confidential advice for a variety of issues and information about your rights and responsibilities.
Step change
StepChange provides help and information to people facing various debt problems. Free call (including from mobiles) 0800 138 1111 or visit the website at www.stepchange.org.
SpiritEd
SpiritEd is a free educational resource on child and youth mental health for all adults.
If you feel like ending your life or feel unable to keep yourself safe, please call 999 or go to A&E and ask for the contact of your nearest crisis resolution team. These are teams of mental health professionals who work with people in great distress. If you feel affected by content you have read, please review our acquire help support page.
