There are never any simple solutions or answers to mental health challenges, this is especially true for suicide. Those contemplating ending their lives often find themselves on an emotionally draining and isolated precipice of a mental health crisis, from which they see no way out. Therefore, one of the most important aspects of our life is to develop positive relationships; Having satisfying and meaningful relationships with our friends and family, people we love and respect, can help create meaning in our lives and create an important support system.
If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, here are some ways to help them deal with their crisis and be that person in their life who can really help make a difference shared by Dilshad Khurana, Psychologist, Head Mpower, Helpline aid.
Be empathetic: Empathy is the foundation of most human relationships and is an even more crucial component when dealing with someone going through a mental health crisis.
The key to developing meaningful relationships is really listening to what someone has to say instead of just listening to what they have to say. For example, while talking to someone who is going through a difficult time regarding their mental health, it is important that you make eye contact with that person during the conversation and be fully present in the moment.
Avoid interrupting them or diverting the conversation to a frivolous topic. Try to build a deeper conversation with them and listen carefully. This can help the other person feel more seen and heard, and will eventually help them open up to you about their mental health issues.
Be aware of the other person’s perspective: Always keep the other person’s perspective in mind: This is seemingly simple advice that is difficult to follow. When we take the time to see things from the other person’s point of view, it helps us understand them better and makes the relationship more meaningful.
After all, everyone wants to feel like their experiences and opinions are valued and respected, and for those struggling with their mental health, this is even more important. So try to see things from the other person’s perspective the next time you’re in a conversation, you may be surprised by what you discover and even help them see beyond her current situation.
Open communication: Communication is one of the first things we learn in life, whether it is learning to speak or using actions and gestures to convey our feelings, it is one of the most primary aspects of human life.
However, as we age, meaningful communication becomes more difficult, and having difficult conversations about how we really feel becomes more rare. But these conversations are vital for those dealing with issues like depression or anxiety. And sometimes having open and honest conversations can mean the difference between life and death. Therefore, communicating openly and honestly with those dealing with mental health issues is a crucial aspect of developing healthy and positive relationships.
Relationship with oneself: While external relationships play an important role in our lives, the most significant relationship we have is the one we have with ourselves. Building our self-esteem and self-esteem is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves and is a crucial aspect of mental health.
If we want to cultivate a positive relationship with ourselves, we must be kind and forgiving, accept our shortcomings, and strive to accept our bodies and minds as they are; this is probably the most important thing we can do for our mental health. .
Seek help: Life is not easy when we are under a lot of pressure. Sometimes, we can feel that we are not good enough and that everything is going wrong. Such feelings can easily precipitate into thoughts of self-harm. However, it is important to know that there is a way out of this vicious cycle, and trained professionals such as therapists, counselors and psychiatrists can be of great help.
Through their years of experience and study, therapists are trained to help people facing mental health crises. For example, someone going through a breakup after a long-term relationship or a student who has failed their exam, to them, these failures may seem monumental and something they can’t get over. However, a trained psychologist can help them realize that failures in tests, careers, or relationships are not permanent. Therefore, seeking help is perhaps the most important tool in the fight against suicide and mental health problems.
In addition, society plays an important role in promoting mental health awareness. Through public awareness initiatives, such as street plays like the one recently put on by Whistling Woods International at Churchgate Station on World Suicide Prevention Day, or street art, people can help reduce the stigma associated with suicide. talking openly about mental health.
Therefore, having positive personal relationships and being part of a society that does not judge mental health issues are some of the most important factors that can help prevent suicide.
If you think someone you know might be having a problem, don’t hesitate to seek help. Together, we can help prevent suicide by building more positive relationships in our communities and speaking more openly about mental health. For professional support, you can contact the Suicide Prevention Helpline.
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<!– Published on: Thursday, October 13, 2022, 03:06 PM IST –>
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