According to the World Health Organization, around 450 million people across the globe suffer from mental illness. Despite such an alarming number, discussions on mental health have yet to create a genuine platform that addresses the stigma and discrimination that some patients face.
Nevertheless, everyone has a responsibility to help those who need support in facing psychiatric issues like eating disorders and severe anxiety, many of which are indicative of major mental illness.
While we at Mid Cities Psychiatry strongly suggest seeking professional help for handling severe disorders, anyone can do their part in helping other people (as well as themselves) deal with such illnesses.
1. Talk it out
Initiating a conversation goes a long way in helping individuals identify what is wrong. People often go through certain lengths to deny that they are suffering in the first place. That said, the best you can do is to reach out to someone who you think manifests certain habits or conditions. If you are aware of doing these habits yourself, try opening yourself up to friends and family members.
2. Look for warning signs
Once a person opens up about their mental struggles, it becomes easier to identify repressed details that could lead to a serious diagnosis. That said, being aware of the symptoms of certain mental illnesses could help initiate early interventions. You can check out the American Psychiatric Association for a list of warning signs you should watch out for. Being able to identify these earlier should prevent a mental illness from becoming worse.
3. Seek out adequate support
If you think the mental illness is making it hard for a sufferer to seek out treatment, you will need to lend a hand as a support system. This is crucial especially if you are in a community where mental health facilities are almost inaccessible. For this, you may have to provide material support as well to help a patient get help from the right experts and access to the right treatment options.
4. Be lenient and patient
Often, it becomes almost difficult for you to intervene when someone is suffering a serious problem. Human as we are, we often lose patience and start to blame others for the issue. But no matter how difficult it gets, people who go through major depression or PTSD need support throughout their ordeal. So, be sure to remain helpful and understanding of what the other person is going through. Be empathic and show them that you will always be there for them.
5. Choose a clinic that goes over and beyond
The tips outlined here can only do so much as make the illness manageable. Professional intervention is still needed in order to help patients overcome a major mental health illness. But more than supportive treatment, a clinic that focuses on restoring a sense of hope.
After all, the aim of providing psychiatric help is to renew an individual’s vigor and support them in living fulfilling lives. Indeed, this has been the mission of Mid Cities Psychiatry. If you or a loved one needs adequate support for mental health, call us today at 817-488-8998 or send us an email at info@MidCitiesPsychiatry.com.