Seeking Help: Mental Health Hotline for Families
Dealing with a family member experiencing mental health issues can feel isolating. However, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness. This means that you are not alone if you find yourself in a caregiver role for someone in your family who is having issues. The good news is that families can find a wealth of resources to provide guidance to loved ones as they work toward wellness. You and other family members can play an instrumental role in their recovery process.
How to Support a Family Member with Mental Health Problems
Family members are often among the first people to experience the negative impact of mental health problems. As a family member, you can support your loved one by recognizing the early signs of mental health problems, speaking to your loved one about possible options, and connecting your loved one to outside help, such as the Mental Health Hotline.
Why Learn About Mental Health Issues Within Families?
Naturally, a person might want to avoid exploring topics that feel unpleasant. However, learning about mental health problems early can help mitigate the devastating effects of mental health issues on families. The benefits of learning about mental health issues can include the following:
- Improved recognition of early warning signs
- Earlier possible diagnosis and treatment
- Greater understanding, compassion and empathy
- Reduced stigma of mental health issues within the family
How to Recognize the Early Warning Signs of Mental Health Problems
While many people agree that mental health problems are serious, some individuals also struggle with recognizing the early warning signs of mental health problems. The top signs of mental health issues include changes in personality or behavior. A family member with an issue may exhibit the following:
- Listlessness or feeling little to no energy
- Sudden occurrence of unexplained aches and pains
- Withdrawal from friends, family members, hobbies or typical routines
- Significant changes in eating or sleeping habits
- Ignoring essential grooming or personal hygiene
- Disoriented or confused thoughts
- Severe mood swings
- Constant worry, anxiety or excessive fear
- Overwhelming feelings of helplessness or hopelessness
- Persistent thoughts or memories that disrupt everyday life
What Are the Suggested Steps for Helping a Family Member?
Although many people are willing to help family members who experience mental health issues, individuals feel unsure about how to start. The first step is to express concern and support without judgment. This mainly involves initiating a talk about mental wellness and reassuring your family member that you care about them. Since your family member may currently experience emotional highs and lows, it is crucial to avoid a confrontational approach and be mindful of the timing of the conversation. You can avoid any misinterpretation by asking open-ended questions, actively listening to your loved one’s thoughts and ideas, and providing specific suggestions when it is your turn to talk.
Steps for Initiating the Conversation on Mental Health Issues
Mental health conversations with family members may start with concern over stigma. You can begin by talking about how mental health issues are a problem many people face. You can also mention that many people with mental health problems find it easier to begin the recovery process with individuals they trust. To start, find a comfortable place for discussion and begin with questions that allow the family member to express their thoughts openly. Some suggested conversation openers include the following:
- I am worried about you. Can we talk about what you are experiencing? If you feel uncomfortable talking to me, who do you feel comfortable talking with?
- I care about what you are going through and would like to listen. What do you want me to know about how you are feeling?
- What can I do to help you work through problems with those who live with you?
- It seems that you are going through a tough period. How can I help you find the assistance that you need?
- Who has helped you work through similar problems in the past?
- Sometimes, speaking with someone who has gone through a similar situation helps. Can I connect you with someone who has?
- I am concerned about your safety and well-being. Have you thought about harming yourself or others?
- I am here to listen. What else can I help you with?
Once you have introduced the discussion, let your loved one speak freely. Engage in active listening by maintaining eye contact and avoiding objections or interruptions. If your loved one finds it helpful, you can also allow them to write their feelings in a notebook or on a whiteboard. This is a way to express emotions that are harder to verbalize, and it can also help later when brainstorming solutions.
Steps for Discussing Outreach and Help for Mental Health Issues
After you have introduced the topic and allowed your loved one to express feelings, take the following steps to direct the topic toward accessing resources outside of the family:
- Reassure the family member that you care about them.
- Remind the family member that mental health problems are common, help is available and that mental health issues are treatable. No situation is hopeless.
- Offer to help your family member complete everyday tasks to get back on track.
- Include your family member in your plans, and continue to invite your loved one to outings even if they decline. The invitations reinforce that the person has a valuable role in the family and in your life.
- Agree to educate other family members about the facts of mental health problems and encourage others to practice respect, compassion, empathy and non-discrimination.
- Remain open-minded. Avoid phrases like “get over it,” “pull yourself together,” “snap out of it” or “toughen up,” or any comment your loved one could perceive as condescending or judgmental. Such comments can cause individuals to shut down and delay getting the help they need.
- Talk about the benefits of resources outside the family, such as a support group or the Mental Health Hotline.
Speak in a manner that is appropriate for the family member’s age and developmental level. Watch for reactions during the talk, and slow down if the conversation becomes overly heated. It is helpful to discuss one issue at a time or seek professional help if the conversation becomes counterproductive.
How to Reduce the Family Stigma of Mental Health Problems
When addressing mental health problems, you may find that some people avoid discussing these issues due to a perceived stigma surrounding mental illness. It is important to remind your loved ones that mental health problems are common. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 50% of U.S. adults will be diagnosed with a mental illness or disorder at some point in their lifetime. If it helps to draw a comparison, you can also remind your loved one that most adults have come down with physical illnesses that required treatment.
For example, most people have experienced the common cold or flu and resume normal activities after a few weeks of self-care. However, some people get sick with severe illnesses like pneumonia that require stopping normal activities and seeking professional support. Similarly, the emotions of sadness, anxiety, irritability, anger or worry can occur temporarily in most individuals. But intense or prolonged feelings that interfere with relationships can indicate a more serious mental health problem. Just as there is no shame in coming down with a physical illness, there is no shame in identifying and addressing your mental health needs.
You can also remind your loved one that there is no single cause of mental illness. Researchers believe mental health problems can arise from a variety of circumstances, including adverse early childhood experiences, chemical imbalances within the brain, or side effects of chronic medical conditions. They can also arise from adulthood stress, loneliness, trauma or isolation. Some people experience mental health issues with no identifiable origin.
How to Practice Self-Care While Helping a Family Member
While helping a loved one navigate mental health issues, it is also important to maintain your own health and well-being. Supporting your family member takes energy, so monitor your own wellness to stay in a position to help. Some of the best ways to do that include the following:
- Continue to engage in activities outside of mental health problems. Most people do not want to be defined by their mental health problems. Encouraging activities you have always enjoyed together helps your loved one see that life is worth living and recognize their identity outside of mental health episodes. It is also self-care for you.
- Set boundaries and avoid taking too much on at once. Any discussion of mental health should occur at a time and place that feels safe and comfortable. Address one issue at a time, and schedule follow-ups if it helps.
- Share your caring role with others. If possible, share the load with other trustworthy family members. They can offer a fresh perspective and help with stress management.
- Talk to someone else about how you are feeling. Listening to a family member’s mental health problems can trigger challenges of your own. Consider speaking regularly with the Mental Health Hotline or joining a support group for families.
Seeking Hope: The Mental Health Hotline for Families
Facing mental health issues can feel overwhelming at first, but the situation is not without hope. Above all, seek immediate help if your family member is in danger of harming themselves — call 911 or 988.
If you need help from a supportive resource, you can also contact the Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787. We provide free and confidential assistance for a range of mental health issues and can connect you with support and possible treatment options. Instead of navigating the road alone, the Mental Health Hotline can help your family move toward the support each person deserves.