For Loved Ones: How to Support a Loved One’s Mental Health

Supporting a loved one dealing with mental health issues can be challenging but also rewarding. Your care and understanding can significantly impact their journey toward wellness. Here’s some practical advice on how to support your loved one’s mental health during such difficult times.

Recognize the Signs of Mental Health Issues in Your Loved One

Identifying the early signs of mental health issues in a loved one can be crucial for timely intervention and support. These signs can manifest in various ways, including behavioral, emotional, and social signs.

Common behavioral signs of mental health disorder include:

• Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Changes in appetite
• Neglecting responsibilities
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Self-harm

 Common emotional signs of mental health disorder include:

• Feeling down for an extended period
• Being overly anxious or having irrational fears
• Persistent feelings of despair or worthlessness
• Anger or irritability

 Common social signs of mental health disorder include:

• Difficulty in maintaining personal or professional relationships
• Avoiding social interactions and preferring to be alone

Noticing these signs can be the first step in providing support and seeking professional help for a loved one struggling with a mental health disorder.

How to Talk to Your Loved One About Their Mental Health

Starting a conversation about mental health with a loved one is an important step toward offering support and encouraging them to seek help. Here are six tips to approach this topic effectively:

1 . Choose the Right Time and Place

Choosing an appropriate time and setting to discuss mental health with your loved one is crucial. This approach allows for a more open and honest conversation.

• Choose a moment when both of you are calm and not during a stressful situation.
• Find a quiet, comfortable and private place where you can talk openly without interruptions.

2. Express Your Concerns Gently

Using gentle language and expressing your concerns without judgment helps create a safe space for open conversation. This approach can reduce defensiveness and encourage your loved one to share their feelings and seek support​.

• Avoid sounding judgemental by framing your concerns with “I” statements. For example, say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down lately, and I’m really worried about you,” instead of “You seem depressed.”
• Mention specific behaviors or changes you’ve observed to help them understand why you’re concerned.

3. Listen Actively

Active listening is key to supporting a loved one’s mental health. It involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding thoughtfully to what they share.

• Let them know you are there to listen and support them without judgment.
• Acknowledge their feelings and experiences, even if you don’t fully understand them.

4. Be Patient

Recovery is often a long and non-linear process marked by progress and setbacks. Your loved one may not be ready to talk immediately, and that’s okay. By remaining patient, you show your commitment and understanding, which helps build trust and encourages your loved one to stay engaged in their recovery journey.

5. Offer Support

Offering support means being actively involved in your loved one’s mental health journey. This can include attending medical appointments and letting them know they are not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

The Recovery Village offers a residential mental health care program where your loved one can have the opportunity to establish a robust framework for your mental health in a safe environment, protected from daily stressors and triggers. These resources can provide your loved one with the support and treatment they need.

Creating a Supportive Home Environment

Creating a supportive home environment is crucial for the well-being of a loved one dealing with mental health issues. A supportive environment can include:

• Having an organized area that is free from unnecessary stressors
• Giving personal space and time when they need
• Encouraging healthy habits, including regular exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep
• Supporting them in participating in activities and hobbies they enjoy and find relaxing

Be patient and understanding, offering consistent support even on challenging days. Avoid making negative comments or judgments about their condition or behaviors.

Managing Your Own Mental Health

Supporting a loved one with mental health issues can be emotionally draining. Prioritizing your well-being enables you to provide better support and maintain a healthy balance in your life. Tips to help you manage your mental health while caring for someone else can include:

• Make time for relaxing activities, such as reading, exercising, or hobbies.
• Know your limits and communicate them clearly to your loved one. 
• Practice mindfulness and stress management techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga, in your daily routine. 
• Connect with friends, family, or support groups can provide a valuable outlet for sharing your experiences and feelings. 
• Talk to a therapist can also help you through such a difficult time.

Finding Help for Both of You

Recovery is a journey that requires patience and perseverance, but it is entirely possible with the right support and resources. Understanding the differences among mental health care programs is crucial for you and your loved ones to effectively select the most suitable option that addresses their unique needs. These programs include: 

Acute Inpatient psychiatric care

Acute inpatient psychiatric care is designed for individuals who require immediate and intensive treatment due to severe mental health crises. This level of care includes 24/7 medical monitoring and interventions to stabilize the patient’s condition. Acute care is typically not voluntary, as it addresses situations where there is an imminent risk to the individual or others.

Long-term Residential Psychiatric Care

Long-term residential psychiatric care provides a stable, supportive environment where patients can focus on their mental health over an extended period. This type of care is ideal for individuals who require intensive treatment and a structured routine to manage complex mental health conditions effectively.

Subacute Inpatient Mental Health Care

Subacute inpatient mental health care caters to those needing residential psychiatric care without posing an immediate danger to themselves or others. This program includes customized treatment plans with individual and group therapy, medication management, and recreational activities to promote long-term mental health. Unlike acute care, subacute care is often voluntary, focusing on stabilizing and preparing individuals for a smoother transition back to everyday life.

Outpatient Therapy Sessions

Outpatient therapy sessions enable individuals to receive mental health treatment while living at home and maintaining their daily routines. These sessions, which often occur once or twice a week, typically include individual, group, and family therapy, all aimed at supporting ongoing mental health management.

Inpatient Rehab for Mental Health at the Recovery Village

The Recovery Village offers a subacute inpatient mental health program designed to provide your loved one with the structured care necessary for life in recovery. Our inpatient mental health rehab program includes:

• Comprehensive evaluation and treatment planning
• 24-hour nursing supervision
• Medication management, if necessary
• Co-occurring substance misuse treatment for those struggling with addiction.
• Individual therapy y sessions with a therapist or counselor several times each week
• Meeting with a psychiatric provider one or more times a week
• Recreational therapy, such as exercise, art and yoga
• Daily group therapy, including specialty groups and peer groups
• Aftercare and discharge planning (a necessary component in this level of care)

Treatment goals are continuously reviewed to ensure they align with your needs. Various therapies are available, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), tailored to support your unique journey toward recovery.

Are you ready for the next step toward better mental health for you or your loved ones? Call our Recovery Advocates today to learn more about our inpatient mental health program and start your journey to recovery.