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7 things to say to a person suffering from mental health issues
Mental health disorders bring a major change in the attitude and well-being of a person. Not only is it hard on the patient but on his family and friends too. Do you know someone who is suffering from mental health issues and don’t know how to lend a helping hand to them? Well, here are some tips you can start with.
Dr Kedar Tilwe, Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Mental Health & Behavioural Sciences at Fortis Hospital lists down seven things you can say to your close ones suffering from mental health issues to make them feel better.
1. Say, “I am here for you.” Reassuring them about your continuous support is the most essential way to help a person suffering from mental health issues. You need to show them that they are not alone on the path to recovery.
2. Nudge them towards seeking appropriate help. Sometimes debilitating symptoms of the illness such as paranoia or hopelessness may prevent the person from reaching out. Become the bridge and gently guide them in the right direction.
3. Discuss your daily routine. Make it a habit to discuss the daily routine and news with them. Do so even if it initially means being the major conversationalist.
4. Learn about the illness and understand the process. Once you have understood it thoroughly, explain it to the person. Remember that in some illnesses, their thought process can be hampered and they may need you as a proxy to help them navigate through troubled waters.
5. Remind them to take care of themselves. Make it easy for them by reminding them about the time to take their medicines, follow up with doctors or when it is time for their counselling sessions.
6. Sometimes just being there in their low phases is enough. You may need to be the shoulder they can cry on or the person they can confide in. Sometimes you may not have to say anything at all besides being there for them.
7. Do not use phrases like “you will snap out of it” or “just do happy things”.
So, what are you waiting for? Imbibe these changes in your attitude and see how it transforms their life.
