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According to the Department of Health, at least 3.6 million Filipinos suffer from mental, neurological, and substance use disorders. There may be more affected because of the stigma surrounding mental health, causing cases to be underreported or undiagnosed.
Although the prevalence of mental illness in the country can seem terrifying, it is important to remember that disorders are treatable. A proper treatment plan can help afflicted individuals live full, productive lives. Social support is often crucial in the process. If someone you care about is currently struggling with their mental health, know that there are ways to support them in their journey towards healing.
What Warning Signs Should I Look Out For?
It won’t always be obvious whether someone is struggling. While symptoms of mental illnesses vary, here are common warning signs you can look out for in others:
Alcohol or drug abuse
Changes in eating, hygiene, and sleeping habits
Difficulty functioning at school or work
Extreme mood changes
Feeling disconnected from reality
Problems with memory and thinking
Social withdrawal
Suicidal thoughts
Consider the context in which change occurs—it might just be that your loved one recently experienced a great shock, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of a new job. But when these symptoms become a cause for concern, don’t let your fear of a diagnosis stop you from encouraging your loved one to seek help.
You can start by expressing your concerns without placing the blame on them. You might say, “I’ve noticed that you don’t seem like yourself lately,” then back up this statement with facts about their recent behavior. Afterwards, you can encourage them to approach a mental health care provider, such as a psychologist. You can also offer to accompany them to the appointment.
What Can I Do for Practical Support?
If your loved one decides to not go to a professional due to personal choice or constraints, you can also do the following to better support them:
A. Engage them in an open conversation. Provide them with non-judgemental company in case they want to share something with you. Listen carefully to what they have to say, but don’t assume that you know what they need afterwards. Avoid statements like “You need to...” or “You should...”; you don’t have to be an expert. Sometimes, people just need a listening ear.
B. Encourage them to join a support group. If they don’t feel comfortable sharing with you, you can suggest that they talk to other people who may be experiencing similar problems.
C. Educate yourself. Find trusted sources of information about your loved one’s current struggles. You can search how someone else overcame problems similar to yours. You can also see what treatment worked on others or look up information about their diagnosis and required treatment plan, if any. Knowing more about their illness can help you approach them with sensitivity.
D. Offer to help them with their daily tasks. Sometimes, daily tasks like cleaning or preparing meals can be too overwhelming for people with mental illness. Helping them do these tasks can aid them in their recovery. You can also ask them directly how you can help create a better environment for them or set realistic goals with them so that you can achieve tasks together.
E. Praise their progress. After everything, remember to remind your loved one that they are doing great for seeking help. People can often feel ashamed of seeking help, even though this is a sign of strength. Inspire hope in your loved one that they can get better.
How Do I Take Care of Myself in the Process?
It’s normal to feel anger, disbelief, fear, grief, guilt, or shame when finding out a loved one is affected by mental illness—acceptance can take time for both parties. Remember to be patient with yourself if you don’t immediately understand where they are coming from.
With that said, it is also important to draw boundaries with your loved one. Acknowledge that you cannot take full responsibility for their life. Inform them of what your emotional, financial, or physical boundaries might be so that they are aware of their individual role in their recovery.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to talk about your experiences in navigating your loved one’s mental illness in your own life. You can talk to a close friend or family member, or to a professional. Try to also remember to keep your own interests and maintain a healthy lifestyle as you look out for others.
Who Can I Contact for Further Help?
If you think your loved one is in need of immediate assistance, do not hesitate to proceed to your nearest health center or contact the following hotlines for further support:
Department of Health: National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 0917-899-8727; 02-7989-8727
In-Touch Crisis Line: 0917-800-1123; 0919-065-0709
Alternatively, for non-critical situations, you can book an appointment with a professional at Empath by visiting www.empath.ph. We at Empath are committed to providing a safe space for you to process your feelings and journey towards improved mental health.
References:
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