Are you noticing some changes in your friend or family member and have concerns that they may be experiencing a mental illness? You are not alone, with Beyond Blue stating that up to a 1-in-4 of Australians will develop an anxiety disorder, and 1-in-7 will experience depression. There are ways that you can tactfully approach your loved one with your concerns, offer them support and assist them in finding professional help.
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Learn to recognise the signs
Signs of depression or anxiety can vary widely from one person to the next,though there are some general signs that can point to mental distress. There may be significant changes in their personality, such as sudden avoidance of social situations, appearing tearful or usually quiet, or being easily irritated. You may notice changes in their appearance or personal hygiene, or dramatic changes in their energy levels and eating patterns. They may seem to be fearful, less hopeful about the future, talk about feelings of guilt and worthlessness or suicide.
Read more: How to help somebody who is suicidal
How do I bring up the subject?
This is up to you and will depend on how confident you feel in the relationship. Discretion is always best. Confronting someone in a public place or a family gathering is not helpful for anyone. Simply asking how they are feeling can be a start, but sometimes you need to ask the same question twice. This shows that you want to understand what they are experiencing. Your friend can be embarrassed at the thought of being unwell and covering up mental illness is common. If they do share their feelings, thank them for confiding in you and be prepared to listen.
Supporting them in their journey
The next question should be: "What can I do to help?" Anxiety and depression can stop people from completing the simplest of tasks. Offer to throw on a load of laundry, help them by grabbing some groceries, or running them a bath. Making them a cuppa, sharing a tub of ice-cream or keeping them company while watching silly movies can help. Encourage them to attend their therapy sessions or offer to drive them if they cannot find the motivation to get there.
Taking care of yourself.
Supporting someone can take a toll on your mental wellbeing. It is important you practice self-care to ensure that you stay well enough to continue support. Self-care can be in the form of setting clear boundaries on when you can be contacted. It may be worth setting up a formal support network of others to assist your friend. Learning about your friend's illness can also assist you in understanding and managing your feelings and recognise the signs of emotional burnout.
Where to from here?
Never attempt to tackle this issue on your own. There is professional support out there to help your loved one and you can assist them in linking into the most suitable local service for them. Be patient and try not to take things personally. Remember to be kind to yourself, and know that every small effort you may make is making a big difference to your friend in need.
In case of emergencies, please call Life Line on 131114 or 000 for urgent care.
