Lesson Three - Risk to Well-Being

How to Help Those At-Risk

When an individual exhibits signs and symptoms that warn others of an impending mental health crisis, there are some steps that can be taken.

*If you do not feel comfortable or safe approaching the individual at-risk, remember that you can tell others about your concern or refer the individual to community resources.

• One of the main steps that you can take is to approach the individual you are concerned about. It is critical to remain non-judgemental; let this person know that you are concerned about them and that you are there to support them. Try to work together and have them respond to your questions.
• Make sure that the person has input on how you help them. What is helpful for one person is not for another.
• Keep your own mental health in check. Bringing unwanted energy into a conversation by having excessive worry or anxiety can prevent someone from fully opening up about any struggles they may be experiencing. It is not likely or realistic that your emotions can be neutral, but just being aware of your own feelings and mental health can help to manage them more efficiently.
• Be prepared for a variety of emotions from the individual, with one of the strongest being shame. Shame is an indicator of psychological distress and is quite common when people are frequently not meeting obligations and are feeling guilty about that. Having a conversation where someone has noticed they are failing to meet their obligations can bring out shame, along with many other emotions.
• Team up with another concerned family member or friend to talk to this individual. Help to show them that they have a social support network who cares about them.
• Let the individual talk for long periods of time without interrupting. This will help them to release some frustration. Do not try to guide the conversation.
• Paraphrase what the person has told you. This conveys being heard and understood, as well as empathy.

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