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Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Acknowledgements
• Mental Health & Mental Illness
• Common MH Concerns
• Common MH Problems
• Refer for Help
• Offering Support
• Crisis Help
• Non-crisis assistance
• Kinds of Treatment/Therapy
• Geriatric Outpatient Services
  • Community MH/MR Centers
  • District Health Clinics
  • In-Home Services
• Inpatient Services
• Support Services
  • Social Services
  • Adult Day Care
  • Legal Services
  • Volunteer Services
  • Advocacy
• Financial Assistance
  • Medical Care
  • Medicare Drug Coverage
• Legal Terminology

Helping Someone Who Has a Mental Health Problem

Tips for supporting someone with a mental health problem

• Practice active listening.
• Practice “active listening.” People are actively listening when they respond to someone in a way that shows that they have listened to what the person has said and understand how the person feels and what they are saying about themselves. A helpful way to do this is for the listener, having heard what the speaker has said, to then repeat, in the listener's own words, what he or she thinks the speaker has said. The listener does not have to agree with the speaker -- he or she must simply state what they think the speaker said. This enables the speaker to find out whether the listener really understood. If not, the speaker can explain some more.
• Another part of active listening is for the listener to reflect back the feelings that he/she heard from the speaker. For instance the listener might say, "It sounds to me that you felt angry or frustrated or confused when [a particular event] happened. Is that right?" The speaker, than can confirm or clarify how they feel. Often because of active listening, the speaker can feel that the listener understands, not only the facts of what happened but also the speaker's inner feelings about the matter.
• If you are concerned that an older adult will not accept your help and that the person is in danger of hurting themselves or others, you can call Protective Services at 215-765-9033 or the Mental Health Delegate at 215-685-6440. They may recommend that you fill out a petition for involuntary treatment for the person, also called a 302 petition. Visit Legal Terminology for more information on a 302 petition.
• Show concern and support

How to Refer a Person for Help with a Problem

Listen for signs and symptoms that a family member or someone else needs help you can't provide (i.e., legal advice, financial advice, personal counseling). You can link the individual with resources that can help.

Be aware of agencies and resources available in your community. Get to know the professionals and volunteers in your community who can help. Find out what services they offer and what their limitations are. Assess what agency or community resource would be most appropriate to address the person's, (or family's) problem. If you have questions about whether a given organization could be of help, call and ask.

Discuss the referral with the person or family. You might say, "I sense that you need help with [name an issue]. I think [name of organization] organization can help you." It's even more useful if you can say, "I know of a family that went to [name of organization] organization, and they found it to be very helpful." In short, if you know of people who have been helped, share their experiences, but keep their names confidential.

Explore the individual's or family's willingness to make contact with the community resource. You might say, "Does it make sense to you to contact [name of community resource]?" Or, "How do you feel about seeking help from this agency?" If the person or family feels comfortable making the contact, simply urge them to do so.

If the person or family is unwilling to make the contact, or if there is some danger if action is not taken, you should take the initiative.

• Call the agency and ask to speak with the intake worker, (if there is one).
• Identify yourself and your relationship with the person or family.
• State what you think the person's or family's needs are.
• Ask the agency what follow-up action they will take and what, (if anything) you can do.

Try to find out whether the person or family contacted the resource and whether they were helped. Don't be nosy or pry for details - just make sure they know that you are care and that you want them to get the help they need.

Coping with Challenging Behaviors

When dealing with someone with mental health problems or substance abuse, try to find out what contributes to the situation. Taking a "detective's" approach may help to avoid or remedy a problem situation, or help you learn what solutions work best.

What can cause a problem behavior?

• Physical discomfort or pain
• Too much stimulation
• Unfamiliar people or places
• Complicated activities
• Communication problems
• Something, such as stress, "triggers" it

Dealing with challenging behavior

• Be calm and understanding.
• Be patient and flexible.
• Help the person try to name the feeling, such as: "You seem angry".
• Don't argue, try to convince or ask for an explanation.
• Is something wanted or needed? If so, acknowledge it and respond.
• Is the person confused about time or afraid of a sight or sound.
• Will changing the surroundings help? Is it too crowded? Noisy? Dark or bright?
• Don't take poor behavior personally. Remember, it is a symptom of a disease.

Afterward, ask yourself:

• How can the problem be prevented next time?
• Did my response help? How?
• What can I do differently next time?