Knowing when to intervene when a friend or loved one is struggling with mental health can be challenging. You may feel like overstepping your bounds or not being qualified to help.
However, it’s important to remember that sometimes you may be the only person able to help. This article will discuss when it is appropriate to intervene and offer assistance.
The person is withdrawing from friends and family
One of the first signs of a person struggling with mental health is withdrawing from friends and family. This is often a sign that the person feels overwhelmed and needs help. It may be time to intervene if you notice they are no longer interested in socializing or spending time with those they love.
Ask how their day is going if you need help approaching the subject. If they seem hesitant to talk, let them know that you’re willing to listen if they want to open up about their mental health. It’s important to let them know you support them and are eager to help in any way possible.
The person is talking about suicide or self-harm
Another significant sign that a person is struggling with their mental health is if they’re talking about suicide or self-harm. This is a grave matter and requires immediate intervention. If you notice your loved ones talking about harming themselves, you must speak to them about it immediately.
Let them know you’re there for them and want to help. Find out if they have a plan or have been thinking about this for a while. If they have a plan, getting them professional help immediately is crucial.
The person has lost interest in activities they once enjoyed
When a person loses interest in things that once made them happy, it’s often a sign of depression. If you know someone who has lost interest in activities they once enjoyed, this could be another sign that they’re struggling. This can be anything from not wanting to go out with friends to not wishing to participate in hobbies they used to love.
See if there’s anything you can do to help them get back into their hobbies or activities. If you notice this happening, invite them to confidently open up about what’s bothering them. If they’re not sure what they want to do, suggest some different things and see if anything sparks their interest.
The person appears to be in a lot of pain or distress
If you notice that someone is in a lot of emotional pain or distress, it’s another sign that they’re struggling. This can manifest in different ways, from more noticeable symptoms such as crying to more subtle signs such as irritability or self-isolation. Starting a friendly conversation may be a good idea if you see these signs. If it is apparent that they are upset, you must treat them with kindness.
Try to find out if anything specific is causing them pain or distress. If they’re unsure, let them know you’re there for them no matter what and offer any help or support you can give. Knowing someone is there for them makes all the difference.
The person is exhibiting strange or dangerous behaviors
If you notice your friend or loved one exhibiting strange or dangerous behaviors, it’s clear that they’re not doing well. This could be anything from sudden outbursts of anger to reckless driving and drug use.
While it should be a red flag if you find them using drugs or drinking excessively, it’s essential to remember that using something like cannabis, for example, isn’t necessarily dangerous.
Cannabis use doesn’t even disqualify you from donating blood. If you see these behaviors, you must talk to them sooner rather than later. To learn more about cannabis use and blood donations, check out this article on Veriheal.
Let them know that you’re concerned and want to help. Ask if anything is going on that they want to talk about. If they don’t want to talk, focus your energy on being kind and open with them.
Conclusion
If you notice any of these signs in your friends or loved ones, it’s important to intervene. Mental health is a severe issue and should not be ignored. Many resources are available for help with how to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.