It can be challenging to know exactly how to get someone to talk about their mental health. But if you have noticed symptoms of poor mental health in a family member or friend, it is always worthwhile beginning a conversation with them about this.
HOW TO ENCOURAGE SOMEONE TO TALK ABOUT THEIR PTSD, DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY
Encouraging people to talk about their mental health conditions, such as Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression or anxiety, can make all the difference to their outlook, personal empowerment, and chances of living a healthier, happier life.
At Help for Heroes, we believe everybody deserves to live well after service – but currently, not everybody does. Read on to learn more.
Reasons why some people don’t want to talk about their mental health
PTSD, depression and anxiety are common mental health conditions experienced by millions of people across the UK. They are, however, more prevalent in veterans and their families, due to the experiences, culture and challenges faced by the Armed Forces community.
Some people can feel embarrassed about having a mental health condition. Others might not want to acknowledge it at all, hoping that the thoughts and feelings will go away on their own. Some people even report a sense of shame, feeling as though their mental health condition makes them useless or unworthy. But it doesn’t have to be this way.
If you are worried about somebody’s mental wellbeing but they aren’t talking about it, there are steps you can take to encourage this conversation and take positive action.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO FIRST
Help is available for anybody who wants to improve their mental wellbeing. But it is also important that that person wants to receive help and is willing to build on that and help themselves too.
The good news is that mental health is more likely to improve if a person has a caring family member or friend to help them – so the fact that you want to begin a conversation with them is very positive.
Before you have this discussion, equip yourself with some knowledge about the best pathways for support to talk to your friend or relative about.
We help family members too
It’s also important to know that we don’t just help veterans but their families too. If you are living with someone who has a mental health problem, you can also be supported by us. You can learn new coping skills and build community networks to ensure the whole family can live well after service.
Different approaches to conversations about mental health issues
Getting people to talk about their mental health conditions can be tricky at first. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Everybody is different and has their own unique circumstances and experiences.
Think about the individual
Think about the individual you wish to speak to and what might help them to discuss their mental health in an honest and authentic way. You should also take notice of your own feelings about the conversation.
Do you feel comfortable?
Do you feel comfortable? Awkward? Embarrassed? Scared? It’s important to realise that mental health discussions can be difficult for all involved – not just the person struggling.
When you feel ready to have the conversation, consider all the options.
A nurturing, gentle approach
Some families find that a nurturing and gentle approach to a conversation is beneficial. It could be that the person has never spoken about their feelings before and needs to be supported in doing this for the first time.
A solution-focused approach
Other families might take a more solution-focused approach, offering practical help and signposting to other charities, organisations or local resources.
The conversation approach completely depends on the circumstances, the individual and the urgency. If you are in any doubt about how to begin a conversation, you can reach out to a member of our team to help guide and support you in this.
How to encourage someone to talk about their mental health
Be open to the conversation – including the hard parts.
You might not know the full picture at present, but it’s important that the person who is struggling can be completely open and honest with you about how they are feeling.
Don’t judge, just encourage
It’s easy to add our own thoughts and feelings on a topic into the mix, which can sometimes lead to judgements and assumptions. It’s important that a person can open up without feeling worried about being judged or dismissed.
If not today, that’s ok
Let the person know that if today is not the best day to talk, that you’re here for them in the future. Sometimes it takes a while for a person to find the courage to discuss their mental health, and that’s ok.
Focus on their strengths
A person is more likely to engage in a conversation about mental health if they feel it’s possible to get better. Focus on what they’re currently doing well, rather than what’s going wrong. Talk about how they can build on those strengths, and what life might look like if they get support.
Tell them help is available
Some people struggling with PTSD, depression or anxiety can give up hope that they will ever get better. This hopelessness can then lead them to shutting off and never discussing their feelings. By letting them know that help is available, and that recovery is possible, they might be more open to having a conversation.
Build a wider network
Getting people to talk about their mental health conditions is much easier if there’s a network around you. Consider reaching out to community groups and local support to assist in normalising conversations about mental health. If you are in doubt as to how to do this, speak to us.
Can a professional help you encourage someone to talk about their mental health?
Often, a mental health professional such as a counsellor, psychotherapist or mental health support worker, can help. We provide access for veterans and their families to all areas of health and wellbeing, including mental health.
A professional can work holistically to encourage family conversations, build relationships and access the wider community. A professional can focus on your strengths as a family unit, and those of the individual in need, and build on those.
How we can help
We believe that you already have the tools for you and your family to live well after service. By contacting us, you can begin those important first conversations with your friend or relative, and build on the strengths that are already there to achieve better health for all. Speak to us today by visiting our Get Help page.