Mental health may be a difficult subject to broach, whether you have a depressed family member or an anxious acquaintance.
However, you should not dismiss a possible mental health problem simply because you are uncomfortable inquiring about it. The other person may want to talk about how they’re feeling but is unsure of how to do so.
Here is how you can ask someone about their mental health,
How Have You Been?
The phrase “How are you?” is frequently employed as a figure of speech. It usually results in a favorable response such as “Fine, thanks for asking.”
However, if you truly want to know how someone is doing, wait until later in the discussion to inquire. Cut through the small talk and demonstrate that you are really interested in their well-being.
Listen
Listen carefully to what your friend has to say. They want to be heard if they are going through a difficult period and want to communicate. Show that you’re paying attention by repeating part of what they’re saying. “So, you think…” or “It sounds like…” are two examples. Recognize their emotions. It’s never a bad idea to express (or reiterate) your concern. Share your worry, but not your terror or your judgment.
You’ve inquired about your friend’s health. It’s now your turn to react. But how is this to be accomplished? There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution to a problem, and neither are there any one-size-fits-all solutions to problems. What you say is contingent on the circumstances and your assessment of your friend’s ability to manage them. Here are a few basic rules: Reiterate your concern without passing judgment; do not minimize your friend’s concerns; provide your suggestions for more assistance and support.
Sometimes the help you can provide is insufficient. If your friend or loved one continues to struggle after weeks or months, they may be suffering from a mental health problem and require professional assistance. Encourage them to get treatment from a mental health professional and offer to assist them in finding one if necessary.
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