Mental Health: When to Seek Help and How to Cope - Psychiatry

More Info

---

Understanding mental health is crucial, especially when you or someone close to you is experiencing emotional distress or mental health challenges. The situations you've described indicate that both your mother and your friend are struggling with significant emotional and psychological issues. It’s important to recognize that seeking help from a mental health professional is often a necessary step toward recovery and improvement.


When to Seek Help
1. Persistent Symptoms: If someone is experiencing persistent symptoms such as anxiety, depression, memory issues, or self-harm thoughts, it is essential to seek professional help. For your mother, her memory decline and insomnia, coupled with anxiety about her job transition, suggest she may be experiencing an adjustment disorder or anxiety disorder. These conditions can often be effectively treated with therapy and, if necessary, medication.

2. Suicidal Thoughts: If your friend expresses suicidal thoughts or urges to harm herself or others, this is a critical situation that requires immediate intervention. It’s vital to take such statements seriously and encourage her to seek help from a mental health professional.
3. Impact on Daily Life: If emotional distress is affecting daily functioning—such as work, relationships, or self-care—this is another indicator that professional help is needed. Your mother’s struggles with adapting to a new job and your friend’s emotional turmoil over a relationship are examples of how mental health issues can disrupt life.


Coping Strategies
If seeking professional help is not immediately possible, there are several strategies you can employ to support both your mother and your friend:
1. Open Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations about feelings. Sometimes, just having someone listen can provide immense relief. Let them know that it’s okay to express their emotions without judgment.

2. Encourage Healthy Habits: Suggest engaging in activities that promote mental well-being, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (like fish), antioxidants (like berries), and vitamins (like leafy greens) can support brain health and improve mood.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Introduce them to mindfulness practices, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These techniques can help reduce anxiety and improve overall mental health.

4. Social Support: Encourage them to connect with friends or family members who can provide emotional support. Social connections are vital for mental health, and knowing they are not alone can be comforting.

5. Limit Stressors: Help them identify and minimize sources of stress in their lives. This could involve setting boundaries, delegating tasks, or finding ways to simplify their daily routines.


Addressing Avoidance
Regarding your friend’s reluctance to seek help, it’s common for individuals to feel apprehensive about discussing their mental health issues. This can stem from fear of stigma, feeling misunderstood, or simply not knowing how to articulate their feelings. It’s important to approach this topic with sensitivity. You might say something like, “I understand that talking about mental health can be difficult, but I care about you and want to help. Seeking help doesn’t mean you’re weak; it’s a brave step towards feeling better.”

Conclusion
In summary, while there are coping strategies that can help, professional help is often necessary for significant mental health issues. Encourage your mother and friend to consider therapy or counseling, as mental health professionals can provide tailored support and treatment options. Remember, you can play a crucial role in their journey by offering support, understanding, and encouragement to seek the help they need.