10 Tips for Talking to Someone With Mental Health Problems

“Lots of people with your illness live highly functioning and fulfilling lives.” As someone who’s quite open about having bipolar disorder, I’ve experienced a number of unusual and upsetting responses from friends, co-workers and even some family members who didn’t know how to deal with the information. Reactions like, “I feel like I’m walking on eggshells!” to, “You don’t seem that bad!” are hurtful and unhelpful. 7 Ways To Protect Kids From YOUR Parental Depression? It is no wonder people are scared to admit their mental health struggles to others. I think the worst I got was a shocked, “And you still work with kids?” When suffering mentally — with depression, anxiety or something more complex (which is not to say that those two aren’t complex) — it isn’t uncommon for friends/colleagues/family members to complain that they don’t know what to say. Well, wonder no more. Here are 10 things you should say to those struggling with their mental health. 1. “This Will Pass.” The clouded judgment which comes with mental health problems can render those who suffer blind to brighter times ahead. However, a reminder that panic attacks usually peak after 10 minutes, and then go through a decline which can last from 10 minutes to a few hours, can calm a person who is struggling. Likewise, a person suffering from severe depression can sometimes only gain comfort in the knowledge that the feeli...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Friends Mental Health and Wellness Publishers Relationships YourTango anxiety Bipolar Disorder Creativity Depression inspire listen Mental Health Problems Mental Illness Panic Attacks Perspective Rosalind Bruce Schizophreni Source Type: blogs