How to Help a Friend with Mental Disorders Quiz

Answer: the gossip club

A gossip club is not a good source of information. There are many biases or assumptions people make without knowing facts because of entertainment media, cartoons, or jokes. One of the major challenges people with mental disorders face is being misunderstood. Libraries have many sources of free information in books, computers, audio media, and videos that have been published by approved medical sources. Doctors, physicians, counselors, and psychiatrists also are usually glad to help friends and family support a patient by giving them information and tips.

The internet also has many free sources for medical information as long as the credentials are checked. (For instance, it would be better to read an internet medical report from a university or hospital than Bob's Psychopath Awareness page. Most people with mental illness are not psychopaths, and most have a condition that can be treated.)

Answer: let the person know that that they are available to talk, help or listen

Admitting or talking about a mental diagnosis or condition is a huge step to the person who has it. Two of the most common fears are rejection or the fear of being alone. Sometimes a person will even withdraw from friends or family because of the fear of rejection.

The biggest support a friend can offer is to let the person know that they will be there for them. Being available to talk or listen gives the person reassurance they will not be alone.

Answer: You are very important to me. I may not understand but want to help. Please show me how.

The way something is said can make a huge difference in whether it is harmful or helpful. Just like tone of voice and body language can make a difference in how a conversation is received, words can unintentionally hurt. Some of the most harmful phrases are "It's all in your head", "Just snap out of it", "What's wrong with you?", "There's nothing I can do.", "I don't know how I can help", and "Why can't you get better?".

A friend may not understand what a person with a mental disorder is going through but they can let them know that they are there to help.

Some examples of things that can be helpful to say are "I'm listening, tell me what is going on.", "I'm willing to help with what I can, could you show me what you need?", "I will be here to talk or listen when you need someone." or "I won't give up on you. We will get through this together."

Answer: any talk about suicide attempts or harming oneself

If a friend admits to having suicidal intentions or thoughts of causing harm to themselves or others, a professional needs to be contacted immediately. If it is a time of day when a doctor or physician cannot be reached, one can dial emergency numbers or a mental health hotline.

It is normal for people with mental disorders to have depression or anxiety as long as they do not harm themselves or others. People with mental disorders may be vocal about events from their past or guilty feelings about their condition. Those are moments when a friend can make a huge difference by listening. People are often more likely to open up more to a friend than they will in counseling or doctor's offices.

Answer: Ask them if they are receiving the care they need

Many times it is helpful for a patient and the friend to be on the same page about the medical treatment they are receiving. It is not necessary for a friend to take over the treatment the patient is receiving, even though a friend may have different preferences or feel like they should choose what is best. Most counselors and doctors are glad to introduce themselves and meet with friends and family who want to help a person succeed.

They can provide information on their techniques and their expectations while keeping their patient's therapy confidential.

In the majority of cases, patients also know what works for them. A friend can help by asking which doctors have been helpful and asking which things have worked the best. If a person believes they are not getting what they need, friends can help by assisting with the process to find different doctors and therapies.

Answer: put pressure on them to do everything alone

One of the most difficult things patients face is the amount of time that is consumed while getting treatment. Having a friend who will help with phone calls, offering rides, and offering companionship at doctors' appointments can help a ton with the stress. Sometimes patients may not feel comfortable with these things, but know of other ways their friend can help.

A friend can always ask what they need help with. Sometimes it may not be the ride to the doctor appointment, but help with daily activities at home or sometimes assisting their families that is needed.

In cases where the patient's family is not supportive, such as abuse situations, a friend can help relieve extra stress by keeping things confidential between them, the patient, and the therapists. With these special circumstances it is wise not to handle the case alone, but if the family is not supportive, therapists have many resources to help friends and the patient handling the situation.

Answer: alcoholic activities

Although alcohol is known for its use in many social activities, it can bring harm to a person going through psychiatric medication or treatment. Alcohol can cause harmful side effects when combined with many psychiatric medications, or even counteract their benefits. Also drug addictions of any kind can increase problems instead of encouraging progress for people who have mental disorders.

Answer: True

Hanging out and doing things together builds an even stronger bond of friendship. Doing things like walking to the park, playing board games, going to the movies, going out to eat, shopping, or even just hanging out doing a common interest together are just a few ways to spend time with each other.

These things can also help a person progress more than they will just focusing on their medical needs, because it gives them time to relax and have positive moments as well.

Answer: True

People with mental disorders rarely get positive feedback when they have good moments. It is very easy for the focus to be only on their mistakes and the bad points of their disorders. Often they may give the majority of negative feedback to themselves, such as putting themselves down. Positive praise for the things they do right is great encouragement.

It lets them know someone cares about their achievements and notices their progress. It also shows them what they do right and helps them recognize their progress as well.

Answer: giving up priorities such as work and family

Mental disorders can be very draining for the person with them and the people supporting them. It often is a long term commitment that has many discouragements but does make a difference. When helping someone with a serious need, it is very important to get rest and relax when needed. Hobbies and exercise are great ways to take care of one's own mental health and prevent things from becoming overwhelming. For people who are married, have kids, or have other obligations, work and family cannot be neglected even if it seems like those people can easily adapt. Sometimes people have hurt their own families worse through neglect than through extreme problems such as abuse or drugs. Sometimes people neglect their own health while investing energy to make someone else better.

However, if a person is sick, they won't be very useful to themselves or their friend. Sleep and healthy eating habits are essential. Taking time for all of these things is hard to fit into one's schedule. However, friends can let each other know the communication method that will work best if something is immediately needed.