This time of year can be exciting, but for many, the fun and joy of the holiday season can be disrupted by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition that’s thought to be triggered by shorter days and less sunlight.
SAD affects nearly 10 million Americans each year and can cause:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Worry
- Agitation
You might know how to recognize these feelings in yourself and how to get help, but what about when you notice these symptoms in a loved one?
What Do I Do When a Loved One Is Showing Signs of Mental Illness But Refuses To Seek Help?
Safety
It’s critical to consider both your safety and the safety of your loved one. If they’re exhibiting severe or potentially dangerous symptoms, don’t try to handle it on your own. Reach out to friends or family members for support.
Communication
Tell your loved one about the things you’ve observed – how you’ve seen that their behavior impacts themself, as well as others – but be sure to avoid placing blame. Ask how they feel and actively listen, making sure not to interrupt. Focus on the troubling behaviors, not personal criticism. Use “I” statements – for example, “I feel like..” rather than “you always…” This prevents your loved from feeling like they’re being attacked.
Acceptance
Validate your loved one’s feelings. It’s important to understand that despite your good intentions, they may not take your help kindly. They may feel like they’re being judged or that they don’t need help. And that’s ok. Encouragement and support is what they need from you now.
Related articles:
Talking to Your Kids About Mental Health
Making Prevention Part of the Family
A Community of Hope and Caring
Western Tidewater Community Services Board is your local single-point-of-entry for behavioral health services, including mental health services, but we’re more than that – we’re a community of hope and caring. We’re held to a higher standard of service by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. And we do everything we can to uphold and surpass these standards, so we can provide the best possible service, at the best possible price, to all of our community members.
Could you or a loved one use some help? Make an appointment for same-day access right now.
In the following video, Courtney Goolsby, M.S., LPC, ACS Clinical Administrator of Service Access at WTCSB talks about what to do if a loved one needs mental health help, but refuses it.