Are you concerned about someone in your family? Perhaps they are withdrawing from daily life and not spending enough time with their friends lately. Perhaps their behavior is changing and they are swinging between extremes of emotion. It doesn't matter what it is, having a difficult conversation with someone you love can be very difficult.

Talking to your loved one about Holistic Mental Health Treatment can be life-saving or life-changing. You can help your friend or relative seek the help they need with the right knowledge and preparation.

Preparing for the Conversation

It's not something you want to do unprepared when talking to someone you care about mental health. Your loved one will be most successful if you are compassionate and kind to them. These are some steps to help you prepare.

1. Plan with Intention

Prepare the person to whom you are going to talk. Tell them ahead of time that it's important to you to have a conversation with them. Make sure they feel secure and calm. Also, don't tell them that it's scary or that they have done anything wrong. Pick a date and a time that works for you both and a place that is comfortable for you both.

2. Think about what you'd like to say.

Take some time to reflect on your feelings and thoughts before you meet your loved one. You can think of some specific examples you could point out to your loved one. You could mention any times you were concerned about their mental well-being. What did they do? What did you think? You're more likely than not to have a productive conversation and to be able to offer real support.

3. You can center yourself emotionally and mentally

It can be awkward, embarrassing, and distressing to pull aside someone you love in order to help them get treatment for their mental health. You care deeply about the person you love and are concerned about their mental health.

It's vital that you keep your cool and remain calm during the conversation. It may seem difficult for you to remember that your loved one is likely suffering tenfold. Take a few deep breaths before you start the conversation. Recall your goal: to provide support and solace for your loved one in their time of need.

During the Conversation

Once you have prepared yourself and your loved one for the conversation, it is time to start the talk. Although it can be nerve-wracking, you can keep calm and remain engaged by the following tips. You will be able to communicate clearly with your loved one and talk about the issues that concern you.

1. Be a Compassionate Listener

Even though you have taken the time to prepare for this conversation and are now ready to listen, your ultimate goal is to support your loved ones. You must listen to what they have to say. This is not about listening to what they have to say. It is about giving your full attention so that you can meet them where he or she is. These techniques will help you to be more active in your conversations.

• Distractions are out of your control: Keep electronics off the conversation.

• Ask open-ended question: Although you may have a goal for the conversation it is important that your friend/family member feels heard. Open-ended questions give them the opportunity to direct the conversation in the direction they want.

• Use the opportunity to sum up their points. This will show your loved one you are listening and able to take breaks to summarize what they have said. This will help to clarify any misunderstandings and keep you safe and calm.

2. Be honest and direct

It's difficult to try and help someone you care about get treatment for their mental illness. It's important to be honest and as direct as possible. It doesn't matter how close you may be to the person, it's likely that you haven't shown concern for their health. You may not be able to tell them how much you have noticed and how it is impacting their lives.

This is the right time to share specific examples of what you have observed and the reasons why you are concerned. If you suspect your loved one has depression, tell them what you have seen. These are phrases that you can use to tell your friend or relative what you have noticed.

• I noticed that you have been (insert a period of time) different from the (insert an old behavior). What are your feelings?
• It makes me feel (insert emotion), but it's because I care about your mental health and I want to talk with you about it. What can I do to help?
• I'd be glad to assist you (insert step that you can take, for example). Call their doctor and drive them to an appointment.

3. Keep calm and be patient

No matter how prepared you are for this conversation, you cannot predict how your loved ones will react or what the conversation will turn out to be. Keep calm and be patient. It is your job to be there for the person you love. There is a possibility that the conversation gets heated or tension builds. Take a break and try to refocus your attention on the goal of getting your friend or loved one the care they require.

When a friend or family member initiates a conversation about mental health, many people get defensive, angry, and upset. You might not expect the person to react, so it's important to remember that you are here to support them and not blame, blame or judge them. Remember that their behavior is not their fault, even if it seems like they are trying to hurt you or are wilfully doing so. To help you stay focused, it can be useful to keep a mantra or word handy. For example, "love," support or acceptance.

4. Keep the Action Steps in Your Mind

Conversations can be a lot more interesting if you are willing to listen and help your loved ones. Throughout the conversation, it is important to keep your plan and actions in your head. Before you end the conversation with your loved one make sure that you have discussed next steps and other ways you can help. They'll likely be ready to move on with their lives by the end of your conversation.

You could offer to arrange an appointment with a Holistic Mental Health Treatment Team for them. You can also offer to sit with them during the call.

5. Keep your eyes open and willing to help

Sometimes it can be easy to think you know what your loved one needs. But keep your eyes and ears open. Ask them about their thoughts and what support they would like from you as they move forward. If they refuse to answer your questions or insist that they are fine, you might have some ideas for them.

This conversation is initiated out of concern for someone you care about. You may become attached to certain outcomes, and want the conversation to go your way. However, it is important to have a conversation about the mental health of your loved one. This dialogue should be led by the person in distress. You can adapt your strategy to better serve your loved ones and meet them where you are by remaining open.

After the Conversation

You have now reached out to your loved one, shared your worries and offered support. Now it's time for you to make sure they get the help that they need. This is what you can do following your talk.

1. Keep your word

This conversation is an important first step in healing the relationship with this person. There are many more steps to take on this journey. Keep your promise to your loved one and help them with whatever you can do and that they are comfortable with .

Set up a time when you can help them call an Inpatient Care Program. You could also offer to drive them to their first therapy appointment. Make sure you have the date on your calendar. This person is likely struggling so be trustworthy and show your commitment to help them.

2. Keep your faith strong

Even if you use these tips and try to have a candid conversation about your concerns regarding your loved one's mental well-being, it might not work out the way you want. You might find that your friend or family member reacts negatively to you, shows denial or shuts down. Respectful and persistent behavior is important in these situations. You don't have to be strict or harass your loved one to get help. However, it is your responsibility to check in and show compassion.

3. Get More Support

It can be overwhelming to try and help someone with their mental illness on your own. You don't have the responsibility to help them through this difficult time alone. To help them get treatment, gather support from their loved ones.

How to talk to your loved one about getting help

Importantly, you need to avoid certain things when speaking with your loved one about their mental health. These are:

• It is dangerous to go in without a plan. This topic is very emotional and can quickly lead to negative reactions. You won't be able to give them the support they need if you don't prepare for the talk. Good news: If you are reading this right now, you already have the knowledge and skills to show up ready.

• Accepting excuses and making excuses. People who are in need of treatment for mental illness will often make excuses and try to justify their behavior. It can be tempting to comfort their nerves with excuses. This is not a good thing for the person you love. Be calm and compassionate. However, don't make excuses or come up with new ones that will only prolong the time your loved one is without treatment.

• Making accusations or judging their behavior . You don't want your loved one to feel judged or accused of wrongdoings. If necessary, remind your loved one and yourself that you are not on opposing sides during the conversation. You are on the same team, and you're only there to help them get the help they need.

• Getting a diagnosis. Regardless of how much you love and care about someone, don't guess at their diagnosis. Keep it real and express your concern without trying to hide your loved one's mental health issues. Your friend or family member may not be a professional in mental health, so you shouldn't try to cause them unnecessary stress.

The first step is to get help

Your loved one should ultimately decide to seek treatment for their mental health. Regardless of how the conversation ends with your friend, family member or friend, you have taken an important step towards helping them get better.