Mental health is a foundation for a happy and thriving life. When a person starts experiencing mental health challenges, it takes a toll on every aspect of living: relationships, career, home responsibilities, and more.
The reality is that mental health concerns are becoming even more prevalent in our modern society. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness in the United States. 1 in 25 adults live with a serious mental illness, such as major depression, bipolar, or schizophrenia.
When it comes to mental health treatment, early intervention matters. The earlier a person receives diagnosis and treatment; the better outcomes can be expected in the future.
At First Light Recovery, we are here to help. Our team offers the reassurance that many people need to hear: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We’re dedicated to providing our patients with compassionate mental health care. If you or a loved one are suffering from mental health challenges, then we invite you to reach out to learn more about our comprehensive services.
Identifying the Signs That a Loved One Needs Mental Health Treatment
More often than not, a person struggling with mental health disorders will be able to cope with the condition and hide their symptoms in the beginning. Many people can maintain a reasonably functional lifestyle, and the signs might be minimal at first.
But as the disorder continues to progress, the symptoms keep getting worse. Eventually, untreated mental health problems can have a serious impact on the person’s life – and also have a ripple effect on family members and loved ones.
It’s important that we watch for the most common signs that a loved one is suffering from mental health issues. When you can identify that your loved one is struggling, it’s the first step to seeking the treatment that they need. Here are some of the signs that your family member or friend might be suffering from mental health challenges:
Mood Swings or Changes in Behavior
Have you noticed changes in the way a person is behaving compared to how they have interacted with other people in the past? These noticeable shifts could be an indication that the person is suffering from a mental health condition. Watch for signs such as:
- Expressing feelings of hopelessness
- Persistent sadness
- Increased anger or irritability
- Isolation and social withdrawal
- Panic attacks or anxiety
- Extreme mood swings
Decline in Hygiene and Personal Care
People with mental health challenges sometimes find it difficult to stay consistent with basic hygiene tasks such as brushing their teeth or taking a shower. If you notice that someone is neglecting their self-care, then it’s a red flag that they might need help.
- Unkempt appearance
- Wearing dirty or stained clothing
- Body odor
- Lack of showering
- Overdue haircut or grown-out fingernails
Changes in Sleeping Patterns or Appetite
Mental health disorders can affect a person’s sleeping and eating patterns. Their daily routines start to change, and you might notice a lack or excessiveness in both of these categories.
- Loss of appetite or overeating
- Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
- Excessive sleeping
- Insomnia
Unexplained Physical Health Concerns
Mental health challenges can increase the likelihood of physical health problems as well. It’s possible that neglected self-care could contribute to physical issues. Or, sometimes anxiety and other mental challenges result in internal physical symptoms because of the increased stress in the body. Physical symptoms might include:
- Stomachaches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
Loss of Interest in Hobbies and Activities
Has your loved one stopped participating in some of their favorite activities and hobbies? Mental health could be getting in the way. Sometimes it is something like social anxiety. Other times, depression or another mental health condition might make it difficult to get out of the house.
- No-showing social events with friends
- Canceling hobbies or their favorite activities
- Withdrawing from social circles
Limited Function in Daily Life
As mental health issues continue to progress, there are more and more signs of the way daily life is being affected. Not only can it be hard to keep up with responsibilities in the household, but mental health can also impact every other area of life:
- Taking too much time off work
- Lower performance at work or school
- Missed school days
- Difficulty concentrating
- Avoiding responsibilities
- Decreased productivity
Higher Risk of Substance Abuse
If you notice that a loved one is turning to substances more frequently, then it could be a way that they are trying to cope with their mental health challenges. Many people with a mental health diagnosis also have a co-occurring substance abuse disorder. There is a connection between mental health and substance abuse, which is why mental health treatment can often resolve substance abuse at the same time.
The challenge with addiction is that these substances can worsen mental health conditions. It’s a chicken-or-the-egg scenario: a person is suffering from mental health symptoms and turns to substances to numb the stress, and then the use of substances makes the mental health issues get worse.
Expressing Feelings of Hopeless or Suicidal Ideation
If your loved one is talking about feeling hopeless or they have been experiencing suicidal ideation, then it’s a serious sign that they need immediate intervention. At this point, the mental health symptoms are big enough that they can no longer be hidden. The potential consequences of leaving serious mental health issues untreated could cause catastrophic results.
Reach out to a professional mental health clinic, such as First Light Recovery, or call a mental health crisis hotline immediately. The faster you seek help, the less likely that your loved one will be hurt.
The Mental Health Impact on Family and Friends
Not only is the patient suffering with their own mental health challenges, but these problems often impact their closest friends and family as well. It takes a toll over time, often causing disruptions in relationships and making it difficult to maintain these close connections.
Family and friends might experience a full range of emotions when they see a loved one struggling with mental health issues:
- Worry
- Fear
- Helplessness
- Confusion
- Frustration
- Anger
- Sadness
If you are experiencing any of these things because of your loved one’s mental health challenges, then know that you are not alone. There are a few things that you can do to help yourself and your loved one:
- Talk to your loved one. Express concern and offer support in a judgment-free way. Let them know that you love them and you are here to help.
- Educate yourself about mental health conditions. Talk to mental health professionals for expert recommendations.
- Encourage the person to seek treatment for their condition. If necessary, help them make the phone call and take them to a clinic.
- Set boundaries to ensure that you are protecting your own well-being. Don’t let your own mental health be impacted by the other person’s challenges.
- Support yourself through therapy and support groups if needed.
What Should You Do If You Notice These Signs?
As you read through the list above, did you notice any signs in your loved ones? It might be overwhelming to see that there is a problem, especially if you don’t know what to do to help.
Keep in mind that mental health issues can be serious, which is why it is best to seek professional guidance. DIY mindset shifts can be helpful, but they aren’t enough to help a person get back on track again. An initial consultation is essential to determine a diagnosis and assess individual needs. Reach out to our team at First Light Recovery to schedule an appointment so that we can help.
Why Choose First Light Recovery
Our inpatient mental health programs provide 24/7 care to ensure your loved one is safe and getting the assistance that they need during this challenging time. We offer a comprehensive care approach, with the goal of helping each person feel better as soon as possible – and maintain a thriving lifestyle in the future.
We offer many benefits for patients who need mental health treatments. Often, it’s helpful for an individual to step away from their daily triggers and lifestyle. Our facilities provide a safe and caring environment where each patient can focus on their recovery and develop skills that will allow them to function better when they step back into their normal routines again.
At First Light Recovery, we offer expertise in various mental health conditions:
We are here to help every step of the way. Not only do we provide a supportive and caring environment, but our professional team is working to challenge the negative stereotypes and reduce the stigma of seeking mental health support.For more information about comprehensive mental health services, contact First Light Recovery at (949) 264-0348.
