What do you do if your friend is mentally unstable?

1. Validate what she’s saying. People want to feel heard, especially when they are struggling with difficult emotions or experiences that might make them feel very alone.
2. Ask how you can help.
3. Be understanding of her limitations.
4. Don’t gossip.
5. Change the subject.

What to say to a friend who is mentally struggling?

• “Do you want to talk about it?
• “What can I do to help?”
• “That sounds really difficult.
• 4. ”
• “I’m really sorry you’re going through this.
• “Are you looking for my perspective or would you rather I listen?”
• “I know what you mean.
• “Have you tried yoga or meditation?”

What should you not say to someone with mental health issues?

1. “It’s all in your head.”
2. “Come on, things could be worse!”
3. “Snap out of it!”
4. “But you have a great life, you always seem so happy!”
5. “Have you tried chamomile tea?”
6. “Everyone is a little down/moody/OCD sometimes – it’s normal.”
7. “This too shall pass.”

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

• Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.
• Long-lasting sadness or irritability.
• Extreme changes in moods.
• Social withdrawal.
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

What to say to someone who is emotionally struggling?

• Validate their emotions. Letting someone know that they are not alone and being open to what they want to share is an important step.
• Just show up.
• Be a good listener.
• Keep things confidential.
• Keep the door open.
• Spend time with them.
• Offer praise.
• Offer practical help.

How do you help a friend emotionally?

1. give the other their undivided attention.
2. allow them to say what they feel without judgement.
3. ask questions to clarify or better understand their experiences.
4. verbally summarize or reflect on what they have said.

What are the signs of a mentally unstable person?

• Feeling sad or down.
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.
• Withdrawal from friends and activities.
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.

How do you calm down a mentally ill person?

1. Talk to them in a space that is comfortable, where you won’t likely be interrupted and where there are likely minimal distractions.
2. Ease into the conversation, gradually.
3. Be sure to speak in a relaxed and calm manner.

How do you talk to a mentally unstable person?

Try to show patience and caring and try not to be judgmental of their thoughts and actions. Listen; don’t disregard or challenge the person’s feelings. Encourage them to talk with a mental health care provider or with their primary care provider if that would be more comfortable for them.

How do you get a mental help for someone who doesn’t want it?

Reach out to your own support system. Talk to another friend or family member. Text START to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for a free, confidential conversation with a trained counselor. These counselors can support you and offer advice on how to help your friend.

What are 3 early warning signs of possible mental health problems?

• Excessive worrying or fear.
• Feeling excessively sad or low.
• Confused thinking or problems concentrating and learning.
• Extreme mood changes, including uncontrollable “highs” or feelings of euphoria.

What are the 4 types of mental illness?

anxiety disorders. personality disorders. psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia) eating disorders.

What are the early warning signs of psychosis?

• A worrisome drop in grades or job performance.
• Trouble thinking clearly or concentrating.
• Suspiciousness or uneasiness with others.
• A decline in self-care or personal hygiene.
• Spending a lot more time alone than usual.
• Strong, inappropriate emotions or having no feelings at all.

What should you not say to someone who is struggling?

• Don’t Tell Them to Try Harder.
• Don’t Oversimplify.
• Don’t Express Disbelief.
• Don’t Be Dismissive.
• Avoid Blame.
• Don’t Be Apathetic.
• Don’t Shame.
• Don’t Ignore.

How do you comfort a sad friend?

1. “Witness” their feelings.
2. Affirm that their feelings make sense.
3. Show the person you understand their feelings, and facilitate the deepening of his or her own understanding of them.
4. Don’t minimize their pain or try to cheer them up.
5. Offer physical affection if appropriate.

When do you stop reaching out to a friend?

1. You’re not a priority. You may notice that your friend doesn’t make an effort to be with you.
2. You don’t connect at the same level. Friendships work best when both people want the same type of connection.
3. You give more than you take.

What to do when a friend is struggling?

1. DO listen and validate.
2. DO ask what they need from you.
3. DO offer to help with everyday tasks.
4. DO celebrate their wins, including the small ones.
5. DO read up on what they’re struggling with.
6. DO check in with them regularly.

How do you comfort a friend going through a hard time?

ask questions about their experience. respond to their situation with compassion, (try to keep a friendly, neutral expression – pulling very “sympathetic” faces can actually make it harder for some people to talk about how they’re feeling) repeat back what you hear to show you’ve understood. avoid expressing judgment.

What to say to comfort a friend?

• “I love and care for you. Anything you need, I’ll be there.”
• “I want to support you in any way you need. You are not alone.”
• “You may not feel like it right now, but you are amazing.”

What are the 7 main mental disorders?

• Anxiety Disorders.
• Mood Disorders.
• Psychotic Disorders.
• Eating Disorders.
• Personality Disorders.
• Dementia.
• Autism.

At what age does mental illness start?

Fifty percent of mental illness begins by age 14, and three-quarters begin by age 24.

What are the main causes of mental disorders?

• Genetics.
• Environment.
• Childhood trauma.
• Stressful events: like losing a loved one, or being in a car accident.
• Negative thoughts.
• Unhealthy habits: like not getting enough sleep, or not eating.
• Drugs and alcohol: Abusing drugs and alcohol can trigger a mental illness.
• Brain chemistry.

What can trigger a psychotic episode?

• Physical illness or injury. You may see or hear things if you have a high fever, head injury, or lead or mercury poisoning.
• Abuse or trauma.
• Recreational drugs.
• Alcohol and smoking.
• Prescribed medication.

What is a psychotic break?

This is a psychotic break — when someone loses touch with reality, experiencing delusions (false beliefs) or hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there) and what’s called “disorganized” speech.

When should you stop helping someone?

If assisting someone else is overtaxing your time, energy, or resources—stop! Even if you agreed to do something, if the cost becomes too great, whether that’s financial or emotional, you can back out or adjust how much you can help. If you are harming yourself, that is not helping.