Author: Dr. Rahul Ratan Bagale, Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist, Apollo Clinic, Pune
Mental health is one the most crucial aspects of our life in today’s time. Seeking assistance doesn’t always mean that one is going through a major disorder, not in all cases. Improving the quality of life and learning relevant coping mechanisms for stress is always an option. And that’s where therapy comes in.
The world has changed rapidly in the last 20 years or so, with more awareness coming in amongst the masses. But for many from the previous generations, who could have been brought up with comparatively less stressful lives and good social support, going to therapy may appear unwarranted or even stigmatising, given the societal scrutiny.
Our beliefs form an important aspect of how we look at mental health and related professional assistance. And, therefore, sometimes it can be challenging to convince your parent that they require the help of a professional. Here’s how you can go about it.
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1. Mental Health & Mental Illness Are Different
This is the first step to understand a situation better. As per the World Health Organization, ‘health’, which includes the domains of physical, mental and social well-being, is not merely the absence of disease. Someone trying to excel in any of these domains of health doesn’t necessarily have to be going through a disorder; we seek advice from a healthcare professional for maintaining or improving health too.
As per the International Classification of Diseases (I.C.D.), there are certain disorders related to mental health which require medical treatment as per guidelines. But one doesn’t have to wait for these criteria to be fulfilled. Seeking professional assistance in the form of psychotherapy can help screen or prevent the clinical signs.
2. Look For Signs That Signal The Need For Therapy
To give a simple analogy, we maintain our physical hygiene and include exercises in our routines to prevent infections and diseases. But what do we exactly do to maintain our mental hygiene?
Having therapeutic communication with a qualified mental health expert can help identify the presence of any unhealthy emotions or trauma deep inside, something that could be disrupting the day-to-day functioning. Any persistent negative emotional state, especially after major stressful life situations—career crisis, marriage, childbirth, divorce or separation, loss of a family member or relationship issues—could require the assistance of a mental health professional.
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3. Initiate The Conversation At Home
A simple “How are you feeling today?” can go a long way. I don’t know how many family members might be asking each other this question and how frequently. Noticing subtle behavioural changes like sleep disturbance, aloofness, loss of appetite, irritability and academic decline may point towards something being wrong with the mental health of a person. Just neglecting the storm can’t stop it. We need to adjust the sails to resolve the issue at hand.
4. Normalise Mental Health-Related Conversations
Having a family dinner together is one of the most effective interventions to create familial harmony. Being available and listening to each other, without any prejudice or judgement over trivial issues, can help avail mental health first aid at home itself. Steadily creating an empathetic and compassionate attitude in adolescents about mental health issues, through our speech and actions, is the prime responsibility of the elders.
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5. Finding The Right Mental Health Expert
There are two kinds of major mental health professionals one can reach out to. One is a Psychiatrist (a medical doctor, M.D. or D.P.M.) who is a specialist (post-MBBS) dealing with mental health disorders and is an expert in clinical treatment plans, including therapy.
The other is a Psychologist or Psychotherapist (M.A. or M.Phil), a Psychology postgraduate who undertakes psychological testing and therapy. Taking the first step and checking the qualifications as per one’s personalised needs can help identify suitable mental health professionals.
6. Seeking Help Amid Denial
Denial is the most common obstacle when it comes to seeking professional assistance for mental health. Having said that, a qualified Psychiatrist or Psychotherapist is trained to listen without any prejudice or judgement. Feel free to approach them whenever in doubt.
Initially, family members may also approach the professionals (in person or through teleconsultation) for the concerned individual if they themselves are not willing to seek help. This may help in screening major symptoms and figuring out a further approach.
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7. Course Of Action For A Caregiver When Dealing With Mental Illness
Someone having a mental disorder, especially schizophrenia-related or some mood disorder, may lack insight into their illness—more so during an acute episode—and can be moody and violent. Assuring regular and supervised medication, as prescribed by a psychiatrist, can help reduce the symptoms and distress.
Usually, there are certain triggers in the case of each person with mental illness that may lead them to become aggressive or violent. Caregivers need to learn how to communicate with the patient so that such triggers can be minimised. Protecting themselves and the patient from any physical harm during such a time is the prime concern. In case of severe aggression, admission into a licensed psychiatric nursing home is warranted.
8. Keeping One’s Own Mental Health In Check
Caregiver burden is definitely a valid concern when it comes to dealing with the mental health of a family member. While allowing ourselves to constantly be available for the parent, we also need to be careful whether we are feeling empty.
Making some priorities for the self is not necessarily being selfish and setting healthy boundaries is extremely important. Some of the behaviour or thinking patterns of parents can be difficult to modify and trying to change them can be frustrating for the younger generation. In this context, one needs to rely on the art of acceptance.
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9. Extending Supporting To Your Parent
Other than finding the right expert, making the parent understand that you are there to listen to them is of utmost importance. Expressing affectionate dialogues, and concerns for their physical and mental well-being can help them realise that they are valued. Spending some time together and partaking in activities that they enjoy can help create harmony in the family.
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