"Symptom Onset. Be curious and observant. Look for triggers like school, work, or relationship challenges, which may cause situational depression or signal deeper mental health issues. Normalize their emotions to encourage open dialogue. Research mental illnesses and identify potential therapists or psychiatrists to contact then or if your loved one's condition deteriorates. Discovery and Diagnosis. Diagnosis can evoke relief or resistance."
"If symptoms persist, encourage your loved one to take an online screening, like the one offered by Mental Health America. Be prepared for resistance to the diagnosis or discouraging prognosis or emotional reactions influenced by stigma. Offer reassurance and the option of a second opinion to build trust in the process. Denial. Denial often stems from stigma and stereotypes that people"
The mental health recovery journey proceeds through identifiable phases: symptom onset, discovery and diagnosis, denial, and withdrawal or isolation. Caregivers should watch for triggers, normalize emotions, research providers, and prepare referral options. Encourage screenings when symptoms persist and offer reassurance, second opinions, and patience when diagnosis provokes resistance. Counter stigma with examples of people thriving, remember treatment must be voluntary, and check in regularly to reaffirm value. Anticipating phases and preparing emotionally and practically can reduce uncertainty, strengthen trust, preserve relationships, and improve treatment outcomes.
Read at Psychology Today
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]