Determining whether a loved one is experiencing a rough patch or is dealing with a serious issue can be challenging. You can be concerned about a friend or relative and want to support them, but you might feel unequipped to do so. There could be a variety of mental health challenges and signs to take into account.

Even though you may have the best intentions to assist your loved ones, using the wrong technique to approach them could make everything worse. However, you can’t just watch as a family member gives in to their issues or loses themselves to their demons. This article will provide you with advice on how to figure out if a family member is struggling so you can help them.

1. Increase In Drug Or Alcohol Use

According to experts, addiction and mental health conditions (such as depression) frequently co-occur. Many people who suffer from depression are unsure of what to do or where to go for assistance. Thus, they attempt to manage the signs of depression on their own by using substances or alcohol to numb their pain and feelings. They could seek out additional opportunities to drink or find justifications for taking more than normal.

According to the Addiction Center, 21 million people in the USA suffer from addiction problems. So, if you see your loved one showing struggling and showing signs of addiction, get them to therapy and rehab. For residents of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Delphi Behavioral Health Group is the best option for rehabilitation and therapy programs that can help your loved ones with their addiction problems.

2. Extreme Exhaustion Or Weariness

Anyone who leads a busy life can occasionally feel exhausted, but persistent tiredness or fatigue may indicate that they need help. How often do they mention being incredibly tired? Do they appear worn out every day? If they are having trouble catching up on their sleep, they might be struggling with something more serious. Pervasive sleepiness or exhaustion may be a sign unless there is another reason for their lack of sleep.

3. A Disregard For Personal Hygiene Or Appearance

When a person’s mental health begins to deteriorate, so does their attention to their cleanliness and appearance. Has anything changed in the way they care about how they look? Do they now take longer to get dressed and ready than they did before? You might want to search for more indications that your loved one needs support if you see a significant change in their personal care routine.

4. Struggling To Handle Stressors Of Daily Life

The majority of people manage a packed weekday routine. However, keep an eye out for changes in the way your loved one copes with daily challenges. Does it appear that they have more difficulty keeping to a schedule or that their anxiety has gotten better? Do they find it difficult to keep up with life’s pace? Your loved one may need assistance if they are unable to handle the stresses they were previously able to manage.

5. Having Trouble Fulfilling Work/School Obligations

Performance at work or school starts to suffer when mental health issues become more severe. There may be signals that your loved one needs assistance, including irregular attendance, incomplete assignments, etc. Keep an eye out for sharp declines in their output or grades, a rise in absences, or a refusal to discuss how work or school is going.

6. Disappearances Or Absences Without Explanation

Seeking assistance may be warranted if a loved one has been missing for several hours or days without much explanation. You don’t have to start being intrusive or tracking their whereabouts just because of this. However, take note of the intervals and duration of their absences. If they’re spending excessive time alone and giving little to no indication that something is wrong, there might be a problem.

7. Losing Interest In Previously Appreciated Activities

Your loved one might have a few hobbies that they enjoy participating in. It’s well known that losing interest in certain pursuits and hobbies indicates mental illness. You shouldn’t have many reasons to worry if the shift is only temporary. But if they continue to show no interest in such things, you might want to check in with them.

8. Socially Isolated

People who experience mental health issues tend to distance themselves from their loved ones. Additionally, they stay away from social gatherings and situations that can make their symptoms worse.

Rather than mustering the energy to put on a good front for others, it becomes easier to isolate at home. Especially if they were outgoing before, withdrawing from friends, relatives, or social gatherings might be an indication that your loved one needs assistance.

9. Mood Swings And Anger Issues

People frequently feel on edge and irritable when dealing with mental health issues because they are challenging to manage. Unstable mood swings, continuous frustration, and angry outbursts are warning signs that your loved one requires help.

This is particularly true if they don’t typically snap at people around them. It can be a significant clue that something bigger is happening that they haven’t yet discussed.

10. Messy Living Space

When you go over to your loved one’s house, is it as tidy and clean as it used to be? Is the grass in the garden overgrown and weedy? Even though your loved one could appreciate home ownership, the maintenance requirements might be too much for them. Untidy living quarters are one of the unmistakable signals that someone could benefit from some extra support.

11. Reaching Out For Help

When a loved one asks for help, people occasionally neglect it. Sometimes people ask for assistance when they realize they can no longer handle things independently. Some may just ask directly, while others may give cues or hints to it. Make sure you’re actively listening for indicators that your loved one needs assistance so that you’re prepared to provide it when they’re ready.

Conclusion

Knowing when a loved one needs help is one thing; knowing how to assist a loved one is quite another. Since everyone is affected by mental health issues differently, there is no single, effective course of treatment.

Everyone benefits from a tailored approach, regardless of the illnesses they have, the intensity of their symptoms, or their underlying health issues. Every person seeking assistance can choose a treatment choice that suits their circumstances.