Do you have concerns about a friend or think they may need mental health support? If so, it’s important to talk to them and encourage them to get help. But before you reach out, take the time to better understand mental health disorders and how to get help. This article takes a closer look at the signs a man needs therapy or a woman needs counseling and steps you can take to help your friend.
Common Behavioral and Emotional Red Flags
One thing that often prevents people from helping their friends in emotional distress is misunderstandings about mental health issues. You may be unsure whether your friend needs help or not. Below are several signs you need therapy:
- Sudden changes in behavior, such as mood swings, sudden anger, increased aggression or agitation
- No longer doing things you enjoy, canceling plans or seeming more withdrawn
- Expressing feelings of being overwhelmed, hopeless or unworthy
- Talking about suicide or self-harm
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Having problems at work or school, such as tardiness, write-ups or suspensions
- Sudden change in weight
- Poor hygiene or not completing household chores
If you have concerns about one of your friends and they’re displaying one or more of the signs above, it’s time to talk with them about getting help.
How to Talk to a Friend About Mental Health
Talking to a friend about mental health can be difficult. Some friends might think you’re judging them or you think they’re too weak to handle it themselves. These common stigmas often prevent people from reaching out for support. You can help by breaking down this stigma and letting your friend know you care and you’re concerned about them, not judging them.
Start by explaining some of the red flags you’ve noticed and ask if they want to talk about it. If you’ve experienced mental health distress before, now is a good time to briefly share your story.
Don’t overwhelm your friend. Instead, be patient and give them time to process what you’re saying and respond. Admitting you have an issue isn’t easy, so be as loving and caring as possible. Remember, you’re not trying to fix your friend. Rather, you want to encourage them to get help.
How to Convince Someone to Go to Therapy
Once your friend recognizes they may have a mental health issue, it’s time to encourage them to get professional help. Telling someone they need therapy isn’t an easy conversation, but it could save your friend’s life. Studies show 50% of people living with a mental health disorder don’t receive treatment. There’s a likelihood that if you don’t help your friend, they may never get the professional services they need.
How to tell someone they need therapy? With love and kindness. The best thing you can do for them is let them know that you care but you’re not qualified to treat mental health problems. Explain that mental health professionals are just like medical doctors and they’re able to treat various issues, including anxiety and depression.
Once they’re ready, help them find the resources they need. For example, you can call a local counseling center with them or contact the Mental Health Hotline. This hotline has trained operators standing by 24-7 to help callers connect with the professional mental health services that best meet their needs. These operators can walk you through the process and make it easy for your friend to find the right support.
When to Step Back and Set Boundaries
If your friend refuses to listen or is against getting help, you may need to step back and set boundaries. These boundaries are important for both you and your friend.
They may involve everything from what time of the day you’re available to your inability to provide financial support or limiting how many times they call or text you during the day. In some cases, you may need to cut off all communication until your friend gets the help they need.
Remember that these boundaries are designed to protect you and your mental health. You won’t be any good to your friend if you end up in emotional distress too. Also, these limitations may force your friend to take a closer look at their issues and realize they need help.
When setting boundaries, be as clear and concise as possible. Your friend should know exactly what your limits are and what will happen if they cross these lines. It’s equally important to be consistent. If you give in just one time, your friend may take that as an opportunity to continuously cross the line. Although it’s often difficult to set and keep boundaries, it can save your friendship and your friend in the end.
Supporting Them Through the Process
Remember, your role is not to fix your friend. Instead, you want to show them support and love. Just letting them know you’re there for them and you believe in them can be a big help. If you seem to be working harder through the process than they are, it might be time to step back and let someone else offer support.
Noticing Signs a Man Needs Therapy? Get Help Today.
If you notice signs a man needs therapy or a woman needs counseling, don’t hesitate to help your friend. Contact the Mental Health Hotline today and let our operators help your friend find the necessary resources.
