What Should You Do If You Suspect a Friend Or Loved One Has a Mental Health Problem?

mental health problems are common, and knowing someone with an even more common. However, it can be difficult to recognize a mental health problem in a friend, family member or colleague, and know what to do if they are bad. Common mental health problems include depression, anxiety disorders (such as panic disorder or social phobia), a substance abuse or dependence.

Do you suspect a loved one May have a mental health problem? Are you afraid to say the wrong thing? If 'force' them to seek help from a health professional? What if they feel suicidal? While people often know a lot about physical health problems, many do not know much about mental illness or how to be supportive. Your support is important because people May not be afraid to ask for help from loved ones in the case get a negative reaction. Seeking help early can reduce the impact of the problem and may prevent other problems from happening. In order to teach the public how would someone with a mental health problem, a team of researchers has developed a mental health first aid (MHFA) program. The program has spread to 15 countries, and teaches the symptoms, causes and treatments for mental disorders, as well as what actions to take to someone who May have a mental disorder. These actions do not replace the help of a professional, but they are similar to physical first aid days before the ambulance arrives. Programme covers what needs to be done for a variety of mental disorders, including depression, panic attacks, psychosis, alcoholism, eating disorders and self-harm.

MHFA has these tips to help a loved one has to suspect depression:

talk to them about how they felt at the time and place where both feel comfortable
let them know that you are concerned and want to help
to listen to them without interruption and should not be condemned
give them information about depression and offer hope for recovery
ask them if they need help to manage their feelings, and if so, to discuss possibilities for technical assistance
Do not say things like "does not seem that bad to me, " or "just need to get your act together"and not blame them for their depression

print guidance on how to help someone with a mental health problem can be downloaded from the website.