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What to Do If You Notice Someone Who May Need Mental Health Intervention

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What to Do If You Notice Someone Who May Need Mental Health Intervention

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Go Green for Mental Health

Marcy Weiss, Ph.D., LCSW
Employee Assistance Manager

How do you know what someone is thinking or feeling? To make assumptions is usually wrong. However, you might notice when someone’s behavior is a bit out of the ordinary.

Generally, we can tell when loved ones, friends or co-workers are behaving differently. The change may be subtle or abrupt. Perhaps you notice agitation or restlessness that is unusual. Maybe the individual is irritable or angry and this is not his/her usual mood. Perhaps there is a change in his/her weight or their personal hygiene.

Individuals experience stress and life events differently. Some act out with an increase in drinking or drug use. Others sleep too much or too little. They may have problems with appetite and appear to have lost weight or look tired or worn out. Some become depressed, hopeless, and isolate from others.

If you observe significant changes in those around you, it is possible to intervene. Be careful not to pressure the individual, but you can start a comfortable conversation. Depending on the relationship and closeness to the person, you might consider saying, “I have noticed you seem a bit sad lately….is there anything I can do to help?” This may be enough of an opening for the individual to share what has been troubling them.

Guiding the person to the appropriate resources is helpful. For employees and their dependents, the Employee Assistance Program may be a good approach. The Youth Services Department can provide therapeutic services to families and youth up to age 22 who are in need of assistance. There are also many other resources in the community, including calling 211 for information and resources.

There is help for those in need. You can make a difference when you observe and ask about unusual behaviors in co-workers, friends, and relatives.

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