How Can You Help Someone with a Mental Health Condition?

If you know someone who is experiencing mental health problems, it can be difficult to know what to say or do. It can be just as difficult to explain to other people how they can best support you when you are experiencing these kinds of issues yourself. However, there are a few simple things that friends, co-workers and others can do to supplement the support provided by the private psychiatric clinic in London.

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Don’t Be Afraid to Ask If They Are OK

If someone seems upset or worried about something, simply asking if they are OK can make a big difference. The worst that can happen is that they reject you and don’t want to talk, but sometimes people will be able to open up about their feelings once they are given an opportunity. All you need to do is listen. Don’t try to offer easy answers or dismiss their feelings, and take care not to confirm or deny any unusual thoughts or delusions.

Offer Practical Support

Sometimes there isn’t much you can do to help someone to feel better, but you may still be able to provide practical support. Even if the person you are helping doesn’t notice or appreciate it much at the time, these little gestures can help to reduce the burden they are carrying. You might be able to cook dinner for someone, ensure that the laundry is done, or give them a lift to work.

Encourage Them to Seek Help

We can all do a lot to support each other’s mental health, but there are limits to what we can accomplish alone. If you are worried about someone’s wellbeing, you should encourage them to speak to their GP about their symptoms or recommend visiting a private psychiatric clinic in London for specialist help. However, if you are worried about an immediate risk to someone’s health, you should take them to A&E or call an ambulance.

Ask What They Need

People can often tell you what they need, especially if they are already undergoing therapy at a private psychiatric clinic in London where they have learnt coping techniques. Ask how you can help when you’re worried. Is there someone who they would like you to call, such as a family member or doctor? Do they need help getting home or to a safe space? Would they like you to stay with them for a while?