When Someone You Care About Is Struggling: Knowing the Signs and How to Help
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to bring more attention to suicide prevention and encourage people to have honest conversations about mental health. For those looking for mental health counseling in College Park, MD, these conversations can also be an important reminder that support is available for people who may be struggling with difficult emotions, stress, anxiety, depression, or thoughts of suicide.
These conversations can be difficult, but they matter. Sometimes, simply asking someone how they are doing can be the first step toward getting them the support they need.
It isn't always easy to tell when someone is struggling. A person may seem fine on the outside while dealing with feelings they haven't shared with anyone. Changes in their mood, behavior, relationships, or daily routines may be signs that they need some extra support.
Knowing What to Look For
There isn't one specific warning sign that means someone is thinking about suicide. More often, it's a combination of changes that catches our attention.
You might notice that someone has become more withdrawn or has stopped doing things they usually enjoy. They may seem unusually sad, anxious, angry, irritable, or overwhelmed. Changes in sleeping or eating habits, difficulty keeping up with school or work, or pulling away from friends and family can also be signs that someone isn't doing well.
Pay attention when someone talks about feeling hopeless, trapped, like a burden to others, or as though there is no reason to keep going. Comments about death or suicide should always be taken seriously, even if they are made casually.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask
If you're worried about someone, you don't need to know exactly what to say. You can start with something simple:
“I've noticed you've seemed a little different lately. How are you doing?”
Give them a chance to talk, and try to listen without immediately offering advice or trying to fix the situation. Sometimes, having someone who is willing to listen without judgment can make it easier to open up.
What You Can Do Next
If someone tells you they're thinking about suicide, take them seriously. Let them know you're glad they told you and help them connect with support.
You don't have to figure everything out on your own. A mental health professional can help someone work through what they're experiencing and determine what kind of support they may need.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, stay with them if you can and seek help. You can also call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, for support and guidance.
Mental health counseling in College Park, MD
Suicide Prevention Month gives us an opportunity to talk more openly about suicide, but these conversations don't have to end when September does. Checking in with a friend, listening to a family member, or simply letting someone know that you're there can mean more than you realize.
If someone is having a difficult time, reaching out for professional support can be another important step. Mental health counseling in College Park, MD can provide a safe place to talk openly, work through difficult emotions, and develop healthier ways to cope with life's challenges.
At PACE Consulting, mental health counseling is available for children, adolescents, adults, and families in the College Park area. If you're looking for mental health counseling or are concerned about someone you care about, reaching out to a qualified mental health professional can be a good place to start.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If there is an immediate danger to someone's safety, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
