How to Get a Mentally Unstable Friend Help

When a friend feels mentally unstable, he usually exhibits a change in behavior or mood. He needs to seek help as soon as possible. As a friend, you should notice these changes in temperament and attempt to persuade your friend to see a professional. He might resist, saying he does not need help or it is just a phase. However, problems often lie deeper than we realize and only a professional can discover and them and assist your friend in working through them over time.

Instructions

• 1

  Observe your friend closely for changes in behavior. Note if these differences are constant over a few days, weeks or if it seems sporadic. Look for a loss of interest in things he commonly enjoys, anger at times when he would have remained calm or malaise about important decisions. As a close friend, you can tell when the change in behavior is severe enough to confront your friend on a potential problem. Also, note any new behaviors that seem out of the ordinary, such as lack of bathing, isolation, extreme sadness or extreme anger, rapid changes in mood or an attempt to hide something.

• 2

  Write down all of your observations. You will not necessarily read these aloud to your friend when asking him to seek help, but it helps you organize your thoughts. List which mood or behavior changes are most noticeable and cause you the most concern. Note examples with your observations. Make a list of places where your friend can receive help. Websites are a great start because the person can explore from the privacy of his room, sparing the anxiety caused by walking into a clinic.

• 3

  Ask your friend if you can talk to him for a minute. Do not just spring this type of conversation on him while he is walking out of the house, rather, aim for a time when he is home for the evening and comfortable in his environment. After dinner while relaxing is a great time to have a personal conversation.

• 4

  Convey concern for him as you tell him you have noticed he has been acting different lately. Provide an example that illustrates your point, such as declining multiple social events with mutual friends. Add any personal details that communicate your closeness to your friend and your genuine concern for his well-being. If he wants to share an experience, listen and do not interrupt.

• 5

  Suggest he seek help for whatever is upsetting him. Tell him you do not need to know the details, but you are concerned about his happiness. If you yourself have gone to therapy, relay your personal experience and describe how it helped you. Offer to accompany your friend to a clinic or therapist to provide support during this tough time. Calm his fears of the unknown and assure him that you are only asking him to get help because you care for him.