What to do if a family member is having a mental breakdown?

What To Do If a Family Member Is Having a Mental Breakdown

A family member who has been under tremendous stress for an extended period may be feeling completely overwhelmed. There are various factors that may be the cause of the chronic stress that has resulted in a psychiatric crisis. Knowing what to do if a family member is having a mental breakdown is an important first step.

What is a Mental Breakdown?

Each of us has our own unique capacity to withstand stressful or even traumatic events. While each person’s maximum capacity for managing stress may vary significantly, all of us have a limit to how much we can deal with.

A mental breakdown occurs when someone becomes so overwhelmed by the triggering factor that they lose the ability to cope. A mental health crisis unfolds when the family member experiences impairment, a break with reality, or a suicide threat.

An inpatient or residential mental health treatment setting is the appropriate level of care if you’re wondering what to do if a family member is having a mental breakdown. These treatment facilities provide acute stabilization services and psychiatric interventions.

What Might Trigger a Mental Breakdown?

A mental breakdown happens when adverse life events or experiences overwhelm the individual’s ability to cope. Losing the ability to manage the ensuing emotional stress results in impairment of normal functioning.

Each individual is equipped tolerate a certain amount of strife or stress, influenced by temperament, genetics, emotional maturity, and personality. Sometime the person reaches their limits and can no longer manage their emotional state, leading to a breakdown.

Here are some of the reasons or triggers that can cause a mental breakdown:

• Existing but worsening mental health condition
• Extreme or protracted grief
• High stress jobs without sufficient supports
• Experiencing a highly traumatic event
• Ongoing physical or sexual abuse
• Professions associated with emotional burnout
• Severe social conflict that impacts the quality of home and work life
• Family history of mental health disorders
• Serious or chronic medical condition
• Taking on more than can be realistically handled
• Financial issues, such as bankruptcy or foreclosure
• Undeveloped coping skills

Signs a Love One is Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis

Because of our close relationship with family members, we may be the first to notice the changes in the loved one. We know their typical thoughts, speech, and behavior patterns so pick up quickly on any deviations from their norm.

Some common warning signs that a family members is having a mental breakdown include:

• Mental confusion
• Isolating behaviors
• Changes in personality
• Extreme mood swings
• Confused speech
• Irrational fear or panic
• Odd or inappropriate behavior
• Rapid weight gain or loss
• Angry or violent outbursts
• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Trouble concentrating
• Extreme despair
• Neglects personal hygiene
• Sudden decline in work performance
• Loss of interest in living
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Obsessed with death
• Suicide threats or attempts

Helping a Family Member Obtain Voluntary Mental Health Treatment

It can be heartbreaking to witness a loved one’s struggle with a mental health crisis, but what can you do? It is important to realize that your family member needs you to guide them toward the appropriate treatment services.

When someone you care about is in the midst of a breakdown, do not put off getting him or her the support they need. A mental health crisis can rapidly worsen, which can endanger their safety, or the safety of others.

When approaching the loved one it can be a sensitive situation, so do keep these tips in mind:

• Finding the right moment. While sometimes the signs of distress represent a psychiatric emergence, in most instances you can wait for a quiet moment to approach the person.
• Remain calm. Regardless of the symptoms the individual is exhibiting, try to remain calm and collected when you are speaking with them. They will be feeding off of your demeanor, and the goal is to keep them in a calm state.
• Listen to them. When you approach them and ask if they are okay, do listen to what they tell you. You can gain a lot of valuable insight to their disturbance by simply listening to them describe their emotions.
• Offer your support. Suggest that you can help them navigate their insurance coverage and can accompany them to the treatment center. Your offer of support can be very persuasive in the family member agreeing to get help.

It is always best to voluntarily seek mental health treatment, versus an involuntary admission situation. A voluntary admission allows the family member to feel more in control over their care, and more involved in treatment.

Mental Health Treatment for Individuals Experiencing a Mental Breakdown

In most cases, admittance to a hospital is not necessary in the event of a mental health crisis. Your family member can receive the level of care they need at a residential treatment center. These are private luxury estates that provide specialized psychiatric services to guide the patient back to wellness versus a hospital setting.

A residential treatment center is staffed with board certified medical and psychiatric doctors and masters level therapists. With this expertise they can provide evidence-based treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions.

Conditions treated include:

• Anxiety Disorder
• Depressive Disorder
• Trauma Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Psychotic Disorder

Treatment includes:

Medication. Medications can help manage the symptoms of the mental health disorder.

Psychotherapy. Private therapy sessions are the core treatment element of mental health care. The type of psychotherapy and adjunctive treatments used will depend on the specific diagnosis and any presenting unique features.

Group therapy: Patients join together as a small group and share about their personal struggles and experiences. A therapist guides the conversation and provides relevant topics to discuss.

Adjunctive. Complementary therapies like EMDR can provide added help for some mental health challenges, such as trauma.

Holistic. Holistic and experiential activities offer new insights while also promoting a calm mind state. These include art therapy, psychodrama, meditation and yoga.

Wellness. To help restore overall wellness, treatment includes chef-prepared nutrient-rich meals, gym, and outdoor activities.

Mental Health Hope Offers Primary Mental Health Treatment Services

Mental Health Hope can assist family members seeking guidance for primary mental health treatment. If you are wondering what to do if a family member is having a mental breakdown, we are here to help. You’ll be guided to a psychiatrist-owned and operated luxury treatment center offering effective treatment solutions for individuals in crisis. Please call for help today at (424) 622-6369.