Guidance

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act.

We all have good days and bad days. Then there are those days when something isn’t quite right, you’ve got something on your mind, or things just seem too much.

Whatever it may be, it can make a real difference having someone to talk to.

Prevention and early intervention may short circuit a more in depth event developing.

If a person is in crises, encourage them to contact emergency services. Or, if you have serious concerns, contact emergency services yourself.

Symptoms

Some symptoms that may indicate a serious problem include:

– bizarre or unusual thinking

– hallucinations, such as hearing or seeing things that aren’t there

– extreme mood changes

– restless, agitated and disorganized behavior

– marked decrease in activity

– difficulty concentrating

– significant drop in performance at work or school

– significant withdrawal from friends and family

– neglecting self-care (such as neglecting personal appearance and hygiene, and eating poorly)

– suicidal thoughts or behaviors

– non-suicidal self-injury (deliberate self-harm)

– destructive or high-risk behavior

– confusion and disorientation

– emotional outbursts

– sleep problems

– weight or appetite changes

– being quiet or withdrawn

– substance use problems

– feelings of guilt or worthlessness

– changes in behavior or feelings that have lasted for longer than 2 weeks.

Approach the person

Give the person a chance to talk to you. If they don’t open up to you themselves, and you are concerned about them, initiate the conversation. Be open and honest about your concerns about their mental health.

Make sure you approach the person in a comfortable space and at a time when you won’t be interrupted.

Speak from your own perspective. Use ‘I’ statements, such as ‘I have noticed…’ and ‘I feel concerned about…’ rather than ‘you’ statements, such as ‘You seem to be withdrawn…’ or ‘You’re not eating and sleeping…’.

An option is to say you’re concerned and you’re here to help.

Respect the person’s own interpretation of their symptoms.

If the person doesn’t want to talk to you, encourage them to talk to someone else they trust.

Be supportive

Use phrases that will help the person feel listened to, understood and hopeful. Some examples are ‘I’m here for you’, ‘I can see this is a really hard time for you’, and ‘What can I do to help? Just tell me how’.

Show the person dignity and respect.

Don’t blame.

Be consistent in your emotional support and understanding.

Encourage the person to talk to you or someone else.

Listen well.

Give the person hope for their recovery.

Find accurate and appropriate resources for more information if the person wants it.

If required, encourage the person if they need further assistance to:

• Contact their medical practitioner
• Local community health centre
• Mental health care counseling contact points, in person, by phone or online.