How to Help a Loved One with Mental Health Issues Seek Treatment

Q: How to Help a Loved One with Mental Health Issues Seek Treatment

Hello： It is recommended to first consult with the local health center, where you can apply for a home assessment by a physician (some counties have designated hospitals and subsidies), or a public health nurse can visit the home for care. <br>If the individual exhibits violent b

Mental disorders

My younger brother, who is 46 years old, is naturally shy and has never been married.
Two years ago, he developed feelings for a female colleague at work, but she did not reciprocate and humiliated him in front of other male colleagues.
Since then, he has often felt like he is being followed and has become paranoid.
In early 2020, he resigned and has been living alone, not staying with our family.
On January 1st of this year, he suddenly locked himself inside his house.
When our parents called for him, he did not respond.
Later, my older brother returned home, sawed through the iron bars, and opened the locked door.
My younger brother panicked and escaped through the window from the fourth floor.
He was missing for three days, but after some persuasion, he returned home (during the persuasion, he mentioned he ran away because he was afraid of being punished).
A week later, he locked himself inside the house again, turned off the lights, and cut off all communication with the family, making it impossible to reach him via LINE or phone.
Our parents were extremely worried about his safety, so they called my older and second brothers to return home and forcibly entered the house.
As a result, my younger brother jumped out of the window again from the fourth floor and escaped.
It has been five days since we last heard from him.
We suspect he may be experiencing a mental health crisis, but he currently shows no signs of aggression or self-harm.
How can we assist in getting him involuntarily hospitalized for treatment?

AL, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/20

Dr. Wang Yaoting reply Psychiatry

Hello: It is recommended to first consult with the local health center, where you can apply for a home assessment by a physician (some counties have designated hospitals and subsidies), or a public health nurse can visit the home for care.
If the individual exhibits violent behavior or self-harm attempts, you can call 110 or 119 to seek assistance from emergency services to initiate involuntary hospitalization.
You may also ask a trusted elder or friend of the individual to help establish insight into their condition, and try to assist them in seeking medical care through discussion or guidance.
By listening to the individual's discomfort and responding empathetically, you can use their physical discomfort as a way to guide them to a psychiatric specialty hospital for treatment.
I hope this answers your question :)

Reply Date: 2021/01/20

More Info

Helping a loved one with mental health issues seek treatment can be a challenging and emotional journey, especially when they are resistant to the idea of getting help. In your brother's case, it sounds like he is experiencing significant distress, which may be indicative of a serious mental health condition. Here are some steps you can take to encourage him to seek treatment, along with some additional insights into the situation.

Understanding the Situation
From what you’ve described, your brother is exhibiting signs of paranoia and social withdrawal, which can be symptoms of various mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, or even more severe conditions like schizophrenia. His behavior of isolating himself, refusing to communicate, and expressing fear of being punished or followed suggests that he is in a state of distress that requires professional intervention.

Steps to Encourage Treatment
1. Open Communication: If you can, try to establish a line of communication with your brother. Express your concern for his well-being without judgment. Use "I" statements to convey your feelings, such as "I feel worried about you" instead of "You need to get help."
2. Involve Family Members: Since your brother has already shown resistance to communication, it may be helpful to involve other family members who he trusts. A united front can sometimes encourage someone to seek help.

3. Educate Yourself and Him: Understanding mental health issues can help you communicate more effectively. Share information about mental health in a way that is non-threatening. Sometimes, people are more receptive when they understand that mental health issues are common and treatable.

4. Suggest Professional Help: Frame the suggestion for professional help in a way that feels less intimidating. For example, you could say, "I think it might help to talk to someone who understands what you're going through," rather than insisting he needs therapy.

5. Emergency Intervention: If your brother continues to refuse help and his behavior escalates or poses a risk to himself or others, it may be necessary to seek emergency assistance. This could involve contacting mental health crisis services or, in extreme cases, law enforcement if you believe he is in immediate danger.

6. Consider Involuntary Treatment: In some jurisdictions, if a person is deemed a danger to themselves or others, family members can petition for involuntary treatment. This process typically requires a mental health evaluation and may involve legal proceedings.

7. Support and Patience: Throughout this process, it’s essential to remain supportive and patient. Recovery from mental health issues can be a long journey, and your brother may need time to come to terms with his situation.

Additional Insights
- Crisis Resources: Familiarize yourself with local mental health resources, including hotlines and crisis intervention teams. These services can provide immediate support and guidance on how to approach your brother's situation.

- Therapeutic Options: If your brother is open to the idea of treatment, there are various therapeutic options available, including psychotherapy, medication, and support groups. Each option can be tailored to his specific needs.

- Long-Term Support: Mental health recovery often requires ongoing support. Encourage your brother to engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and social interaction, once he is ready.

Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of mental health treatment for a loved one can be emotionally taxing. It’s crucial to approach the situation with empathy, understanding, and a willingness to listen. While you can provide support and encouragement, ultimately, the decision to seek help must come from your brother. If he continues to resist, focus on ensuring his safety and well-being while seeking professional guidance on how to proceed. Remember, you are not alone in this; many families face similar challenges, and there are resources available to help you through this difficult time.

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