"You may notice changes in your loved one before they recognize the shift in themselves. For example, they may be having trouble managing their emotions (e.g., get angry more easily or seem down). You also might start to see the ways that their actions or inactions are unhealthy. They may have started increasing the amount of alcohol they drink each weekend, or they've stopped engaging in activities that they used to enjoy."
"They can also learn about the evidence-based treatments that might be available to help them. The tough part is that no matter how helpful you feel therapy might be for them, they need to be willing to engage in therapy for themselves. You can be a support in the process, but they will need to be the ones to fully do the work."
"Be patient and kind with yourself as you try to navigate having such a conversation with a loved one. You will not find the perfect words, because, genuinely, there are no perfect words. What is important is your intention. Your intention is to help your loved one, as you want them to be happy and healthy. Be mindful to avoid using the word "you" as much as possible. It's important to align yourself with your loved one by instead using "I" and "we""
Worry about a loved one's mental health can arise from observing emotional, behavioral, or activity changes such as increased anger, withdrawal, or more alcohol use. Therapy offers support to identify root causes and access evidence-based treatments, but the loved one must be willing to engage and do the work. Conversations about getting help require patience and imperfect wording; intention matters most. Use 'I' and 'we' language rather than 'you' to align with the loved one. Expect resistance because the loved one might be invested in not changing. Multiple gentle, repeated conversations are often necessary.
Read at Psychology Today
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