Here are some ways to check on your closed ones who are going through mental illness:
Sushant Singh Rajput’s suicide has brought up the issue of mental illness. The country experienced shock waves with the news of the actor’s sudden demise. The 34-year-old actor reportedly ended his life by hanging himself at his Bandra residence, where he was living alone during the lockdown. The reason behind him taking this extreme step is not clearly known, however, early reports allege that he was suffering from depression for the past 6 months.
This has thrown light on the fact that people in India now need to talk about mental illness and that depression is a real thing. People need to talk about it, suicide is not cowardly, and it takes gut to take your own life. While now people do talk about mental health, as celebs have been discussing it lately, still some people think mental health is not a serious issue.
With all the messages that are flooding the internet about the late actor, some striking ones include, “Wish he had spoken to someone”, “He should have given life another chance”, “Why to commit suicide!” and many more of similar nature. You never know what someone is going through, we must always keep checking on our loved ones and be aware of their mental health.
When we usually check up on someone we ask that “how are you doing”? And I like it but this term clearly reminds a person about their situation or that they are going through someone. So we have come up with some ways to let someone know you are without directly hitting them.
So, here are some ways to check on your loved ones without asking “how are you doing”
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Talk about how you are feeling
Tell them if you are going through any problems, say I’ll be okay, and then ask how have you been feeling?
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Ask a few other things
How was your day? How are you feeling right now? What have you been thinking about? This way they will give you details about how they feel.
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Give support without questions
I miss you, I was just checking in. I hope you are fine. I am always there for you. These few words give a sense of support. If you know someone who is suffering from mental illness, try asking them these questions.
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Show curiosity
What are you watching these days? Have you read any good books? How are you coping up these days? Show them that you are curious to help and tell them that you are always there for you.
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Connect with them
Ask them to spend time with you or to some activity together. Want to watch a movie together? A video call party? Or virtual gaming? These are few ways to spend time together while being apart.
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Show them you care
Just text them every day, that you are there for them whenever they need to talk to someone. Tell them you are always there to help them.
Common signs of depression:
There are times when people do not talk about depression or their mental illness, well you can also figure out if something is wrong. Check out some common sign of depression:
- Breakouts
- Constant crying
- Anxiety
- Hopelessness
- guilt
- Canceling plans
- Loss of interest
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling worthless
- lack of concentration,
- suicidal thoughts
- insomnia
If you see these symptoms in someone close to you, just don’t leave them alone. Show them support, love, and care. Listen to them without judging, arguing, or yelling at them. Apart from that ask them to seek professional help.
There are many ways to stop suicidal thoughts and help people.
