Fostering Help-Seeking in Mentally Unstable Individuals: A Therapist’s Perspective

Mental health challenges, such as major depressive disorder, can significantly impact an individual's well-being. As a therapist, one's role extends beyond just treating the client but also supporting loved ones who are seeking to encourage them to seek help.

Introduction to the Challenge

Encouraging someone to seek help can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with a loved one who is struggling with their mental health. The good news is that there are effective strategies to help guide someone towards the necessary support. This article explores the nuances of how to approach a mentally unstable individual and encourage them to seek professional help.

Expressing Concern

The first step is to express genuine concern. Here's an example of how you could approach the subject:

“I have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder. I am also a therapist. You should say that you are concerned about their behaviour and that you wish they would see a doctor.”

This approach emphasizes the sincerity of your concerns while acknowledging your professional background. It sets a tone of trust and understanding.

Encouraging Professional Help

Once you've expressed your concerns, you can gently encourage them to seek professional help. Here are some phrases that may be effective:

“You should say that you are concerned about their behaviour and that you wish they would see a doctor.”

“Look I care about you and I am concerned about you because you seem to be suffering hurting inside would you do me a favour Go see this male therapist if your friend is a woman female therapist if your friend is a man. It would help me a lot to know that you are in good hands. Do it for me okay”

“I have this friend who worries me I care about that friend and that friend displays this behaviour and that behaviour that should be taken care of by a therapist. I don’t want to hurt my friend’s feelings what should I do”

“That friend is you.”

These phrases are straightforward, honest, and show that you care deeply about the individual's well-being. It's important to choose your words carefully to avoid coming across as pushy or judgmental.

Intervention as a Measure of Last Resort

While direct communication is often the most effective approach, there may be situations where more action is needed. One such method is an intervention, which is typically used in cases of substance abuse. However, it requires careful planning and execution:

“If there are several of you that have concerns about this person you can try an 'intervention' where you all get together with this person and voice your concerns and ask them to get help. It is something that used to be done with people with substance abuse problems I don’t know if it is still done or not. I can see where this could backfire quite badly though so talk to someone who knows how to do one of these things before you try it on your own.”

Interventions require expertise and planning. They should only be undertaken if you have support from professionals, as they can be risky and may cause escalation without proper guidance.

Conclusion

Encouraging a mentally unstable individual to seek help is a delicate process that requires empathy, understanding, and patience. By expressing your genuine concerns and gently guiding them towards professional help, you can make a significant impact in their life. Remember, the journey to recovery is a personal one, and your role is to be a supportive and understanding friend.

Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

Support therapeutic goals: Encourage them to complete therapy assignments and attend sessions consistently. Offer practical support: Help them find resources, make appointments, or provide transportation. Be patient: Recovery from mental health challenges can take time, so be patient and continue to offer support.

Ultimately, your role is to be a supportive friend and remind them that they are not alone in this journey.