Page 5 - elevatewinter2016

Help your loved MENTAL HEALTH
ones have
YOU HEAR THE word “jolly” more in December than in all other months combined. It’s just one of
happy holidays. many changes that occur during the holidays.

“A lot of things change this time of year,” says Lilian Kim, BC-BSN, Director of Pavilion, Navicent
Health. “Relatives may be visiting. There might be pressure to spend a lot of money. You may be
hosting parties or traveling out of town. Any of these things can trigger emotional reactions.”

Don’t be surprised if all the holiday activity negatively affects someone you care about. Instead,
be prepared to help. That way, you can continue celebrating together.

STEP 1: PAY ATTENTION STEP 2: GET HELP GIVING HELP

Before you can help someone who is struggling, you You may not feel like you know how to help your loved one
have to know if there’s a problem. Only a physician can who is struggling emotionally. That’s OK. You’re not the only
diagnose conditions. Your role is to be caring, which one who wants to make things better.
means watching and listening.
“Many people call the HopeLine at Pavilion, Navicent
“Friends and family members are the first to recognize Health because they don’t know what to do about a family
changes in behavior,” says Angela Hale, MD, Director member who is struggling with addiction or depression,”
of Outpatient Mental Health and Medical Director of says Angela Boyd, RN, Psychiatric Liaison Nurse, Navicent
Psychiatric Services, Navicent Health. “It’s important for Health. “We have registered nurses with psychology
families to seek a correct diagnosis so they know how to experience who can give them advice based on their
provide support.” situations.”

Dr. Hale says any major change in how someone acts Sometimes the best way you can help is pointing your
can be a sign something is wrong. loved ones to other resources. You can work on getting loved
ones to a doctor for the help they need.

“ Mental health issues are far more common than people tend to realize. Because of this,
some people suffer for a long time before they seek help. If loved ones will engage hurting
individuals in a discussion, that can be the point when they realize that help is available.

—Angela Hale, MD, Director of Outpatient Mental Health and Medical Director of Psychiatric Services, Navicent Health
”STEP 4: PARTY TOGETHER
STEP 3: TRY SOME FRIENDLY TALK THERAPY
People with mental health issues often feel anxious at
It never hurts to let loved ones know you care. Try saying social gatherings. You can offer your loved ones help by
something like, “I’ve noticed something is different and coming along.
want to see if you’re OK.”

Be ready to ask open-ended questions. Ask if “We all have family members who can bring stress

something has happened recently that was upsetting. to a gathering,” Dr. Hale says. “And some families

Ask how they’re feeling about the holidays. Ask if there’s celebrate with alcohol, which can be a problem for

something you can do to help. someone who is in recovery. Be supportive and let

“Start the conversation,” Kim says. “Too many people loved ones know that they are not alone when they face

don’t get help for mental issues until they come to the these pressures.”

Emergency Center.” Before you attend a gathering, plan out a code word

for “We need to go home” and agree to begin saying

your goodbyes as soon as it is used. You’ll have more

IF YOU’RE CONCERNED ABOUT A LOVED ONE’S MENTAL fun leaving the party, knowing your loved one is

HEALTH AND DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START, TALK TO comfortable.

A DOCTOR OR CALL HOPE LINE, PAVILION, NAVICENT

HEALTH’S CRISIS HOTLINE AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE,

AT 478-743-HOPE.

5WINTER 2016 | navicenthealth.org