Mental illness is both common and devastating, affecting almost 47 million adults in the United States alone. That’s about 20 percent of the adult population, and that’s not all. Around 17.1 million children and adolescents in the US have or have had a mental illness. But these numbers don’t tell the full story. Only about a third of people who have a psychological disorder get help.

The reasons for people not getting help are varied. For some, expense is the barrier. For others, it’s accessibility. People in rural or economically disadvantaged areas often don’t have the means to access good mental healthcare. But for most people, not getting help is more complex.

People with mental illness are often concerned about how people in their lives will think of them. They may fear changes in their relationships or society’s general stigma toward psychological disorders. They may worry about how being treated for mental illness will affect their careers and work lives. People with psychological disorders may also simply deny they have a problem at all. Denial is a big part of people failing to seek care.

As with all illnesses, it’s a great idea to help a loved one get psychological care before the situation becomes advanced. When you decide to talk to someone about getting psychological care, consider the following tips:

  • Give thought to timing. Don’t pick a time where your audience will be in a hurry. Don’t try to talk to them when they’re watching a favorite show or concentrating on something else. Consider inviting them over, having lunch together, or going to a private locale. Pick a time where you’re not fighting or otherwise engaged in negative emotions with the person.
  • Approach them from a position of love and empathy. Let them know you value them and that you think the situation is serious, not trivial.
  • Have facts at hand. People who are in denial about the severity of their mental illness may challenge you to provide “proof” that they are having a hard time.
  • Don’t be accusatory and don’t use the opportunity to re-fight old arguments. Instead, phrase your states as follows: “I’ve seen you go a week without sleep, skip your exams at school and have to retake this semester,” or “You’re on probation at work after losing your temper for the second time and shouting at co-workers.”
  • At the least, either be ready to suggest a particular therapist or offer to help them find one. If you can, offer to help them with the details of getting an appointment and transportation if necessary. Again, if it’s possible for you, offer to pay for the first visit.

Damaris Aragon, ARNP, BC provides a full spectrum of mental health care to people in Spokane, Washington, and surrounding areas. She focuses on providing personalized, compassionate care that adheres to current evidence-based standards. Reach out to Damaris through her contact page or calling 509-342-6592.