How to Seek Treatment for a Psychiatric Disorder

Research has shown that mental illness tends to disrupt people’s lives even more than physical conditions, said Dr. Mark S. Komrad, MD, a psychiatrist and author of the excellent book You Need Help! A Step-by-Step Plan to Convince a Loved One to Get Counseling.

“On average, a person with depression is at least 50 percent more disabled than someone with angina, arthritis, asthma or diabetes,” according to this report by The Centre for Economic Performance’s Mental Health Policy Group.

The good news is that treatments for mental illness are highly effective. The bad news is that only one out of three people might actually seek help. And some research suggests that the people who need help the most are typically the least likely to get it.

People understand that you can’t treat a lump in your breast on your own, Dr. Komrad said. But that same understanding doesn’t extend to mental illness.

Self-reliance is deeply imbedded in our society’s psyche, he said. That becomes problematic when anything that’s the opposite of self-reliance — such as dependency — is viewed as weakness and something to be ashamed of.

People might worry about appearing weak if they seek counseling — and they might turn that stigma inward and see themselves as weak, Komrad said.

Another big deterrent is lack of insight. Many people with mental illness simply don’t think they’re sick.

That’s why it’s critical for families and friends to step in and help their loved one realize they need to seek counseling. Don’t worry about “meddling” in their lives, Komrad said. Rather, you have the opportunity and power to improve – and in some cases, save — their lives.

Warning Signs

In You Need Help! Komrad lists the specific signs — along with real-life examples — that signal an individual needs help. These are some of the signs:

• Behavior that scares you, such as a significant temper.
• Problems taking care of themselves or regulating their behavior, such as ignoring basic hygiene, engaging in reckless acts or drinking and acting aggressively.
• Problems with thinking, such as becoming disoriented, seeing or hearing things that no one else does or forgetting important facts.
• Intense feelings, such as profound anxiety about leaving the house.
• Problems interacting with others, such as withdrawing from the people they love.
• Inability to work, such as not holding down a job or diminishing grades or effort in school.
• Experiencing trauma, such as abuse or the death of a child.

Ultimately, the key is to look for what Komrad calls “a change in baseline.” In other words, is your loved one acting differently in any area of their life, including work or home? Komrad said that it’s not unusual to see a person unraveling at home first.

Approaching Your Loved One in the Early Stages

Komrad suggested the following ways to approach your loved one about seeking help in the early stages of mental illness.

• Let your loved one know that you need to have an important conversation with them. According to Komrad, this helps to focus their attention and implies they should take it seriously.
• Pick a good time and place. For instance, avoid talking during family gatherings or when you’re fighting.
• Approach them with empathy. You might say something like “I know this is really hard for you, but I’m talking to you because I love you. If I didn’t care, we wouldn’t be having this talk.”
• Be prepared for the person to be upset – and try not to get defensive.
• Use “I” statements, such as “I’m concerned about you.”
• Ask for a gift – literally. Ask your loved one to give you the gift of seeking help, whether it’s for your anniversary, a holiday or your kids’ birthdays. Here’s an example from Komrad’s book:

“Getting a consultation with a psychiatrist about your mood swings would be the best thing you could do for our little girl’s birthday. It’s better than anything else that you could possibly give her. Please, do it for her. She, more than anyone, needs you to get some direction and proper help, more help than I know how to give you.”

Taking Stronger Measures

When your loved one has little insight into their illness – their “rationality is diminished” – or refuses to get help, you’ll need to take stronger measures. Komrad calls these strategies “therapeutic coercion,” which is akin to tough love.

An especially powerful tool, he said, is to explain to your loved one that families come with certain privileges – and responsibilities. For instance, if you’re a parent who’s financially supporting your adult child, leverage these privileges to get them to seek a professional evaluation.

If that doesn’t work and your loved one is a danger to themselves or someone else or is very ill, contact the authorities, Komrad said. Research your city’s laws on involuntary evaluation. And show up at every step of the process, he said.

“Don’t just call the authorities and wait.” Show up to the ER and the court hearing. “When you do show up, tell the story.” In fact, tell the ugliest parts, he said. Talk about the facts that substantiate the seriousness of the situation.

If you’re feeling unsafe for any reason, articulate that to the authorities. If you’re uneasy about bringing your loved one home, communicate that as well. As Komrad said, you don’t want to give the system an easy way out. You want to make sure they grasp the gravity.

Supporting Your Loved One Long-Term

Supporting your loved one through treatment is “a long-term project,” Komrad said. Check in with them regularly about their treatment and how you can help.

Also, realize that “a change in them is a change in you,” he said. In other words, as they’re making changes in their life, you might want to seek professional help as well. You might even realize that your relationship is part of the problem. As Komrad said, “Sometimes relationships can be sick, too.”

As a family member or close friend, you have a lot of power in helping your loved one. Use it.

Knowing when to seek treatment for mental health disorders is important for parents and families. Many times, families, spouses, teachers, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one or their student is challenged by feelings, behaviors, and/or environmental conditions that cause him or her to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include, but is not limited to, problems with relationships with friends or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness.

It’s also important to know that people of different ages will show different symptoms and behaviors. Familiarizing yourself with the common behaviors of children, teens, and adults that make it hard for them to adapt to situations will often help to identify any problems early when they can be treated. It’s important for families who suspect a problem in one, or more, of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is available and usually effective.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in a young child?
These are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem in the younger child. However, each child may have different symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• Significant decline in school performance or poor grades (even though the child studies and tries hard to succeed)
• Withdrawal from activities, friends, or family
• Sleep disturbances (like sleep terrors, nightmares, insomnia, or hypersomnia)
• Hyperactivity
• Continuous or frequent aggression or “acting out” (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Continuous or frequent rebellion; opposition to authority and direction (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Refusal to attend school on a regular or frequent basis
• Refusal to take part in school or family activities
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Excessive, regular temper tantrums (without explanation)

The symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem may look like other conditions. Always talk with your adolescent’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in an adolescent?
These are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem in the older, adolescent child, which makes a psychiatric evaluation necessary. However, each teen may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

• Significant decline in school performance or poor grades (even though the adolescent studies and tries hard to succeed)
• Social withdrawal from activities, friends, and/or family
• Concern expressed by teachers, friends, or family about adolescent’s behavior
• Substance (alcohol and drugs) abuse
• Sleep disturbances (like persistent night terrors, nightmares, insomnia, or hypersomnia)
• Depression (poor mood, negativity, or mood swings)
• Appetite changes (like refusal to eat, excessive eating, food rituals, bingeing, or purging)
• Continuous or frequent aggression or “acting out” (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Continuous or frequent rebellion; opposition to authority and direction (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Continuous or frequent anger (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Skipping school
• Refusal to take part in school, family, sport, or social activities
• Excessive worry and/or anxiety
• Self-injurious behaviors
• Threats to self or others
• Thoughts of death
• Thoughts or talk of suicide
• Running away or threatening to run away
• Destructive behaviors (like vandalism, or criminal activity)
• Sexually “acting out”
• Lying or cheating
• Many physical complaints

The symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem may look like other conditions. Always talk with your adolescent’s healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

What are the symptoms of a potential problem in an adult?
These are the most common symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem in an adult. However, each person may have different symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• Significant decline in work performance, poor work attendance, or lack of productivity
• Social withdrawal from activities, friends, or family
• Substance (alcohol and drugs) abuse
• Sleep disturbances (like persistent nightmares, insomnia, hypersomnia, or flashbacks)
• Depression (poor mood, negativity, or mood swings)
• Appetite changes (like significant weight gain or loss)
• Continuous or frequent aggression
• Continuous or frequent anger (for periods longer than 6 months)
• Excessive worry or anxiety
• Threats to self or others
• Thoughts of death
• Thoughts or talk of suicide
• Destructive behaviors (like criminal activity, or stealing)
• Sexually “acting out”
• Lying or cheating
• Many physical complaints, including being constantly tense or frequent aches and pains that can’t be traced to a physical cause or injury
• Sudden feelings of panic, dizziness, or increased heartbeat
• Increased feelings of guilt, helplessness, or hopelessness
• Decreased energy

The symptoms of a potential emotional, behavioral, or developmental problem may look like other conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

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Very often in bipolar disorder, people with hypomania may not realize it’s a problem. They may even enjoy it, finding it to be a productive time. Or they may fear that taking medicine will make them depressed and they’ll miss feeling good. Others struggle with depression, not getting the help that could relieve their suffering.

For a variety of reasons, people with bipolar disorder won’t go to a doctor for help. They shrug off a friend or family member’s concern. Others view their illness as a distraction or a weakness, and they don’t want to give in to it. Still others put their health at a very low priority compared with other things in their lives.

Often, fear is the reason for not seeing a doctor. That’s especially true if there is a family history of emotional problems. People in denial are protected from their worst fears. They can stay comfortable in their everyday routines — even though relationships and careers can be at stake.

If you’re concerned about a loved one who could have bipolar disorder, talk to him or her about seeing a doctor. Sometimes, simply suggesting a health checkup is the best approach. With other people, it works best to be direct about your concern regarding a mood disorder. Include these points in the discussion:

• It’s not your fault. You have not caused this disorder. Genetics and stressful life events put people at greater vulnerability for bipolar disorder.
• Millions of Americans have bipolar disorder. It can develop at any point in a person’s life — though it usually develops in young adulthood — and is responsible for enormous suffering.
• Bipolar disorder is a real disease. Just like heart disease or diabetes, it requires medical treatment.
• There’s a medical explanation for bipolar disorder. Disruptions in brain chemistry and nerve cell pathways are involved. The brain circuits — those that control emotion — are not working the way they should. Because of this, people experience certain moods and energy levels more intensely, for longer periods of time, and more frequently.
• Good treatments are available. These treatments have been tested and found to be effective for many, many people with bipolar disorder. Medications can help stabilize your moods. Through therapy, you can discuss feelings, thoughts, and behaviors that cause problems in your social and work life. You can learn how to master these so you can function better and live a more satisfying life.
• By not getting treatment, you risk having worse mood episodes — and even becoming suicidal when depressed. You risk damaging your relationships with friends and family. You could put your job at risk. And your long-term physical health can also be affected, since emotional disturbances affect other systems in the body. This is very serious.

Continued

Trust is crucial in shaking someone’s denial and in motivating him or her to get help. Trust is also important once treatment for bipolar disorder starts. Through the eyes of a trustworthy friend or family member, a person with bipolar disorder can know when treatment is working — when things are getting better, and when they’re not. If your interest is sincere, you can be of great help to your friend or family member.

Sources

SOURCES:
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, American Psychiatric Association.
The Nations Voice on Mental Illness.
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).
American Psychiatric Association.
National Institute of Mental Health.
Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Bipolar Disorder Second Edition.
WebMD Medical Reference: “Bipolar Disorder.”
Muller-Oerlinghausen, B. The Lancet, Jan. 19, 2002.
Kaufman, K. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, June, 2003.
Compton, M. Depression and Bipolar Disorder, ACP Medicine.

Research shows that mental illnesses are common in the United States, affecting tens of millions of people each year. Estimates suggest that only half of people with mental illnesses receive treatment. The information on these pages includes currently available statistics on the prevalence and treatment of mental illnesses among the U.S. population. In addition, information is provided about possible consequences of mental illnesses, such as suicide and disability.

All Statistics Topics: A-Z

• Agoraphobia
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Any Anxiety Disorder
• Any Mood Disorder
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Binge Eating Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Bulimia Nervosa
• Eating Disorders
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Major Depression

• Mental Illness
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymic Disorder)
• Personality Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Prevalence
• Schizophrenia
• Serious Mental Illness
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Social Phobia
• Specific Phobia
• Suicide

Last Updated: January 2018

Contact Us

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Bethesda, MD 20892-9663

Know the warning signs

Learn the common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents.

Mental health conditions

Learn more about common mental health conditions that affect millions

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Or in a crisis, text “NAMI” to 741741

Millions of people in the U.S. are affected by mental illness each year. It’s important to measure how common mental illness is, so we can understand its physical, social and financial impact — and so we can show that no one is alone. These numbers are also powerful tools for raising public awareness, stigma-busting and advocating for better health care.

The information on these infographics and this page comes from studies conducted by organizations like Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Department of Justice. The terminology used reflects what is used in original studies. Terms like “serious mental illness,” “mental illness” or “mental health disorders” may all seem like they’re referring to the same thing, but in fact refer to specific diagnostic groups for that particular study.

If you have questions about a statistic or term that’s being used, please visit the original study by clicking the link provided.

1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 25 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34

You Are Not Alone

• 19.1% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2018 (47.6 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.
• 4.6% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2018 (11.4 million people). This represents 1 in 25 adults.
• 16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people)
• 3.7% of U.S. adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2018 (9.2 million people)
• Annual prevalence of mental illness among U.S. adults, by demographic group:
  • Non-Hispanic Asian: 14.7%
  • Non-Hispanic white: 20.4%
  • Non-Hispanic black or African-American: 16.2%
  • Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native: 22.1%
  • Non-Hispanic mixed/multiracial: 26.8%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 16.9%
  • Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual: 37.4%
• Annual prevalence among U.S. adults, by condition:
  • Major Depressive Episode: 7.2% (17.7 million people)
  • Schizophrenia: nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 in the U.S.
  • Suicide is the 10 th leading cause of death in the U.S.
  • The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 31% since 2001
  • 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
  • 90% of people who die by suicide had shown symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals (also known as psychological autopsy)
  • Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth
  • 75% of people who die by suicide are male
  • Transgender adults are nearly 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population
  • Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of suicide, by U.S. demographic group:
    • 4.3% of all adults
    • 11.0% of young adults aged 18-25
    • 17.2% of high school students
    • 47.7% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students

  If you or someone you know is in an emergency, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or call 911 immediately.

  Despite increasing acceptance and public awareness, there is still a stigma associated with seeking help from mental health professionals. While mental health screening and treatment can dramatically improve someone’s quality of life, there is often still a very strong resistance to the idea.

  People may be afraid that they are “crazy” or that others will look down on them for it. They may have an irrational fear that they will be locked up. The truth of the matter is that seeking professional help is a suitable course of action in many situations.

  If you are resisting seeking mental health help, there are a few things that can help you move forward.

  Figure Out Why You Are Reluctant

  Some people can point to very specific things that teach them that they should not engage in seeking mental health help, but other people have only a strong and unconsidered resistance to the idea. If your mind automatically shies away from thinking about the possibility, ask yourself why. Are you afraid of how you will be seen? Are you concerned about the idea of being put on drugs that will affect you adversely? Once you figure out why you are averse to the idea, you can move forward.

  Use Anonymous Help Lines

  There are a number of anonymous help lines where trained counselors can help distressed people or suggest ways to handle mental health concerns. Though suicide hotlines are the best known, there are others which will help you understand mental health services and put you in touch with the organizations that you need. There is no pressure in calling an anonymous hotline, and you’ll find that it can make you much more inclined to talk about getting the help that you need.

  Stop Using Pejorative Language

  Many people afraid of seeking help for mental illness speak derogatorily about those who do. They use words such as “crazy,” “psycho,” or “loony bin.” Not only does this shame people who might be listening, it also creates a distance between themselves and something that could potentially help them. When you catch yourself calling yourself or someone else crazy, stop yourself. At the very least, it might clue you in to how you are behaving.

  Ask Around

  It can be hard to find a mental health professional who is suited to you. For example, if you are dealing with issues related to alternative lifestyles, sexuality or abuse, you want to make sure that you are dealing with a professional who is skilled in these matters. If your friends or family members regularly see a therapist, ask them for advice. If you feel as though you cannot talk to anyone who knows you, go online. Many people review their counselors on the Internet, and it can help you find someone who can help you.

  Talk it out

  Talk out your fears with a sympathetic friend. Find someone you know who is aware of issues like this, or at least someone you know will be understanding. Sometimes, it can be a good way for you to overcome your fears; others may be able to point out things that you miss. It also can be very freeing to talk to someone about something you may perceive as shameful or problematic. This is something that can give you the courage you need to move forward.

  Ask for Company

  If you are making your first steps toward seeking professional psychological help, you’ll find that it can be tough to even make it out the door. You might find yourself delaying the trip or repeatedly putting it off. Making that first step is hard, and sometimes, it is a good idea to make sure that you have a friend who can help you with it. Ask a friend to go with you on your first trip to a mental health center. They may simply drive you there, or they may wait there with you. This can be quite comforting if you are worried or if you have anxiety problems. Your friends want to be there for you, so remember to let them.

  Keep a Journal

  Sometimes, people have very short memories when it comes to their mental health. They may have a good idea, and in some ways, they simply forget that they ever have bad ones. It is a perilous see-saw. They do not get help when they are upset because they lack the willpower or motivation, but when they are feeling happy, they don’t get help because they’re convinced that they will always be happy. Keeping a journal that tracks your moods can help you establish patterns that will help you understand what is going on. Also, a journal is a great thing to give to a mental health professional, as it shows where you have been and what you have been going through.

  Consider Support Groups

  If you know the area with which you are struggling, it can benefit you to go to a support group. Support groups often are mediated by people with some kind of mental health training. In some cases, a support group is less intimidating because you can hang back before you participate, and the focus is not necessarily on you. If you live in a major city, support groups often are quite numerous, but if you live in a smaller city or a rural area, they may take some effort to attend. Remember that participation in a support group is purely voluntary, and that you can leave at any point during the meeting that you want to.

  Consider What to Expect

  People often are nervous about seeking psychological help because they are afraid of the unknown. They may think that someone will make a snap judgment about their case, and they may be afraid that they will not be able to negotiate their needs. When you go in for a mental health appointment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire about yourself and your reasons for seeking treatment. Then a therapist will talk to you, and if it is appropriate, outline their ideas for treatment. None of this is binding, and you are allowed to state your preferences.

  Set Limits

  Some people feel that they will be completely helpless when they are dealing with a counselor. The truth of the matter is that unless you are speaking of doing something illegal or you are going to harm yourself, a mental health professional cannot detain you in any way, nor can they force treatment on you. If you do not want to be on medication, you can set that as a limit, and if there are some things which disturb you or upset you, you can set limits there too. Mental health professionals should always encourage good boundaries.

  Mental health can be a frightening issue to deal with, but learning more about it can make you much healthier and happier.

  Knowing someone with emotional or mental health problems increased the likelihood that people who screened positive for depression sought out depression treatment for themselves, according to a study published online in Psychiatric Services.

  “Personal knowledge of others with emotional problems or who had sought treatment for them may play a role in decisions about one’s own treatment,” researchers wrote.

  The study gauged the influence of personal knowledge of others with emotional or mental problems on a person’s own likelihood of seeking treatment for depression. Researchers focused on 239 adults who screened positive for major depression on an Internet-based depression screening study and then agreed to complete a follow-up online survey. Questions focused on whether or not they ever sought treatment for depression, experiences with stigma, support from others, and other considerations.

  After controlling for social support, stigma, and demographic variables, the study showed that knowing someone with emotional or mental problems, as well as knowing someone who had sought treatment for emotional or mental problems, were both associated with a participant’s seeking treatment for their own depression.

  According to Psychiatric News Alert coverage, just knowing at least one person in their family with emotional or mental problems almost quadrupled the likelihood of a participant’s seeking treatment for depression, compared with not knowing any family members with emotional or mental problems. Meanwhile, knowing someone outside the family with such problems increased the likelihood of a participant seeking depression treatment fivefold.

  “Because our findings were correlational, it is unknown whether treatment seeking was the result of or a precursor to personal knowledge of others with mental health issues,” the Psychiatric News Alert article quoted from the study. “Future research should investigate whether this relationship is causal and if so, the direction of this relationship.”

  Serious mental illnesses include a variety of diseases including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder. Learn how to help a loved one through diagnosis of serious mental illness and beyond.

  Learn how to help a loved one through diagnosis and beyond

  Mental illnesses are disorders that affect a person’s mood, thoughts or behaviors. Serious mental illnesses include a variety of diseases including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and major depressive disorder.

  Although they can be scary, it is important to remember that these disorders are treatable. Individuals diagnosed with these diseases can live full, rewarding lives, especially if they seek treatment as needed.

  Being diagnosed with a serious mental illness can be a shock—both for the person diagnosed and for his or her family and friends. On the other hand, finally obtaining a diagnosis and treatment plan can sometimes help relieve stress in the family and start moving recovery forward.

  Family members can be an invaluable resource for individuals dealing with serious mental illnesses. By learning more about the illness, you can support your loved one through diagnosis and beyond.

  Encouraging a loved one to seek help

  While symptoms of serious mental illnesses vary, these signs are among the more common:

  • Social withdrawal
  • Difficulty functioning at school or work
  • Problems with memory and thinking
  • Feeling disconnected from reality
  • Changes in sleeping, eating and hygiene habits
  • Alcohol or drug abuse
  • Extreme mood changes
  • Thoughts of suicide

  If you’re concerned a friend or family member is exhibiting these signs, try to stay calm. It’s easy to imagine the worst-case scenario, but signs of mental illness often overlap with other problems.

  Consider whether there are other circumstances that might be affecting the person’s mood or behavior. Did the person recently experience a shock, such as the death of a loved one? Have they recently lost a job or started a new school?

  Regardless of your answers to those questions, don’t let your fear of a diagnosis prevent you from encouraging your loved one to seek help. Start by talking to him or her. Express your concerns without using alarmist language or placing blame. You might say, “I’ve noticed that you seem more stressed than usual,” or “I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself lately.” Then back up those statements with facts, pointing out changes in hygiene or daily activities, for example.

  Encourage your loved one to talk to a trusted health care provider. If he or she is hesitant to see a mental health specialist such as a psychologist, suggest a visit to a general physician. Offer to accompany them to the appointment if they’d like.

  If your family member doesn’t take you up on your offer, consider alerting his or her physician’s office with your concerns. Though the physician may not be able to share information with you due to privacy laws, it will give the doctor a head’s up to be on the lookout for signs of mental health problems.

  If you feel your loved one is in danger of harming himself or herself, or harming someone else, that’s an emergency. Don’t hesitate to call 911. If possible, ask for an officer trained in crisis intervention—many communities have officers on staff who are trained to diffuse a mental health crisis in the best possible way.

  A flurry of emotions

  It’s entirely normal to experience a flurry of emotions when a loved one is diagnosed with a serious mental illness. Guilt, shame, disbelief, fear, anger, and grief are all common reactions. Acceptance can take time, both for the diagnosed individual, for you, and for other family members and friends. That acceptance happens at a different pace for everyone. Be patient with yourself and others.

  One of the most important things you can do to support a family member with serious mental illness is to educate yourself. The more you learn about what to expect, the easier it will be to provide the right kind of support and assistance.

  Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the disease so that you are able to recognize when your family member might be showing signs that his or her illness is not well controlled. Remember, too, that there’s a lot of information on the Internet. Some of it is accurate. Some is wildly incorrect. Find trusted sources of information, and don’t believe every horror story. (See “Resources” at the end of this article.)

  Balanced support

  Medications can be helpful for controlling symptoms of many serious mental illnesses. But they might take a while to become effective, and medication alone is often not enough to keep these diseases in check. Encourage your loved one to take advantage of other resources, such as peer support groups and individual and/or group psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy or social-skills training.

  When a loved one is living with serious mental illness, it’s easy to want to take charge. That’s often especially true when the person is your own child or partner. But taking on complete responsibility for him or her isn’t healthy for either of you.

  Individuals with serious mental illnesses are more likely to thrive when they are allowed to take appropriate responsibility for their own lives. Instead of driving your loved one to every appointment or errand, for instance, help him or her get a bus pass and learn the routes. Rather than preparing every meal for your loved one, teach him or her how to cook some simple, healthy meals.

  Individuals with mental illnesses still have an identity, and they still have a voice. Engage your loved one in open and honest conversations. Ask what they’re feeling, what they’re struggling with, and what they’d like from you. Work together to set realistic expectations and plan the steps for meeting those expectations.

  Recognize and praise your loved one’s strengths and progress. Research shows that compared to offering positive support, repeatedly prompting, or nagging people with serious mental illnesses to make behavior changes actually results in worse outcomes.

  Unfortunately, people living with serious mental illness still experience stigma and misconceptions. While that can be a difficult reality, the fact is that people diagnosed today can expect better outcomes than ever before. Medications have improved, and new evidence-based psychotherapeutic interventions can have powerful and positive effects.

  So try to stay positive. One of the most important things you can do to support a loved one with serious mental illness is to have hope.

  What is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?

  A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation may be needed to diagnose emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders. An evaluation of a child, adolescent, or adult is made based on behaviors present and in relation to physical, genetic, environmental, social, cognitive (thinking), emotional, and educational parts that may be affected as a result of these behaviors.

  Who is evaluated?

  Many times, families, spouses, teachers, or friends are the first to suspect that their loved one is challenged by feelings, behaviors, or environmental conditions that cause him or her to act disruptive, rebellious, or sad. This may include problems with relationships with friends or family members, work, school, sleeping, eating, substance abuse, emotional expression, development, coping, attentiveness, and responsiveness. It’s important for families who suspect a problem in any of these areas to seek treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for mental health disorders is available.

  What is involved in a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation?

  These are the most common parts of a comprehensive, diagnostic psychiatric evaluation. But, each evaluation is different, as each person’s symptoms and behaviors are different. Evaluation may include:

  Description of behaviors (like when do the behaviors happen, how long does the behavior last, what are the conditions in which the behaviors most often happen)

  Description of symptoms (physical and psychiatric symptoms)

  Effects of behaviors or symptoms related to:

  Relationships and interactions with others (like spouse, coworkers, family members, or neighbors)

  Personal and family history of emotional, behavioral, or developmental disorders

  Complete medical history, including description of the person’s overall physical health, list of any other illnesses or conditions present, and any current treatments

  Lab tests, in some cases (may be used to determine if an underlying medical condition is present), including:

  Radiology studies to look for abnormalities, particularly in the brain structures

  Speech and language assessments

  When a family member is being evaluated

  It’s natural, and quite common, for spouses and family members to question themselves when it becomes necessary for a loved one to be psychiatrically evaluated. You may have many questions and concerns as to his or her welfare and emotional well-being. Common questions include:

  What is wrong with my spouse, family member, or loved one?

  Is he or she abnormal?

  Did I do something wrong in my relationship with him or her to cause this?

  Does he or she need to be hospitalized?

  Will he or she need treatment?

  Will he or she “outgrow” or stop performing these behaviors at some point?

  Is this just “a phase” he or she is going through?

  How can I help him or her get better?

  What will treatment cost?

  Where do we go for help?

  What does this diagnosis mean?

  How can my family become involved?

  Once a diagnosis is made, family involvement and active participation in treatment is very important for any person with a mental health disorder. The primary healthcare provider or mental health practitioner will address questions and provide reassurance by working with you to establish long-term and short-term treatment goals for your loved one.

  What is the outlook for people with delusional disorder?

  The outlook for people with delusional disorder varies depending on the person, the type of delusional disorder, and the person’s life circumstances, including the availability of support and a willingness to stick with treatment.

  Delusional disorder is typically a chronic (ongoing) condition, but when properly treated, many people with this disorder can find relief from their symptoms. Some people recover completely and others experience episodes of delusional beliefs with periods of remission (lack of symptoms).

  Unfortunately, many people with this disorder do not seek help. It often is difficult for people with a mental disorder to recognize that they are not well. They also might be too embarrassed or afraid to seek treatment. Without treatment, delusional disorder can be a life-long illness.

  Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/22/2018.

  References

  • American Psychiatric Association (Corporate Author). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-5. American Psychiatric Publishing, Incorporated; 2013.
  • Blazer DG, Steffens DC. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Geriatric Psychiatry. American Psychiatric Pub; 2009.
  • Shelton RC. Chapter 17. Other Psychotic Disorders. In: Ebert MH, Loosen PT, Nurcombe B, Leckman JF. eds. CURRENT Diagnosis & Treatment: Psychiatry, 2e. New York: McGraw-Hill; 2008.

  Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

  Seeking treatment for a mental health issue can be daunting or scary, leading many people to delay treatment or avoid it entirely. Don’t let this happen to you or your loved one. As with physical health, earlier intervention for mental health concerns can lead to better overall outcomes. This page outlines some basic steps that can be taken to address mental health problems.

  If You Or A Loved One Is In Crisis

  Call 911 IMMEDIATELY i n any situation where someone is an immediate danger to themselves or others.

  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  1-800-273-8255 / 1-800-273-TALK

  If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re worried about a friend or loved one, this network is available 24/7 and will connect you with a trained crisis worker who will listen, provide support and share resources that may be helpful.

  Therapeutic Alternatives

  1-877-626-1772

  This is a local organization that provides 24/7 mobile crisis response services, providing immediate evaluation, triage, and access to emergency mental health services, treatment and support. Their services are free of charge, and their crisis teams are able to respond face to face within 2 hours of contact.

  If You Know that You or a Loved One Needs Help

  Find a First Point of Contact or Referral

  Primary Care Doctors

  Primary Care Physicians play an important role in addressing mental health problems. They can recognize symptoms as they develop, determine possible physical causes, and provide information about mental disorders and options for treatment. Often, your PCP will have working relationships with mental health professionals that they know and trust, and will be able to recommend someone that can help you.

  SAMHSA National Help Line

  1-800-662-4357 / 1-800-662-HELP

  SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

  Sandhills Center

  1-800-256-2452

  The Sandhills Center help line is available day or night to connect people with providers in central NC. The have licensed clinicians on-call who will assess your situation and help you find affordable treatment options in your area.

  Learn About Treatment Options

  SAMHSA – Treatments for Mental Disorders

  An online resource for information about treatment courses for various mental disorders, organized by diagnosis. From the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

  Mental Health America – Mental Health Treatments

  Mental Health America’s site includes an exhaustive guide to the various components of the mental health care system and how they operate.

  Find a Therapist / Get an Evaluation

  Visit our Local Mental Health Resources Page

  For information about local mental health service providers in Guilford County and nearby. Includes information about treatment types and specific areas of service, as well as payment options.

  SAMHSA Treatment Locator

  This is a confidential and anonymous online tool for persons seeking treatment facilities in the United States or U.S. Territories for substance abuse/addiction and/or mental health problems. Allows users to perform a geographic search of service providers.

  Sandhills NC Provider Directory

  An online tool that lets you search for providers in North Carolina for mental health, substance abuse, intellectual/developmental disability services for adults and children.

  Get Support

  MHG Support Services

  Mental Health Greensboro offers a number of free support services for people in recovery from a mental health diagnosis, including recovery skills classes, support groups, and one-on-one peer support sessions with an NC certified PSS. Visit our programs page for more details.

  Psychology Today – NC Support Group Page

  A searchable, comprehensive list of clinician-operated support groups that are held in NC.

  If You’re Not Sure if Treatment is Needed

  Learn About Signs of Mental Health Problems

  NIMH – Mental Health Information

  The National Institute of Mental Health has a vast amount of information in the Health and Information section of their website, on a variety of topics ranging from specific disorders to treatment methods and more.

  NAMI – Mental Health Conditions

  This page from the National Alliance on Mental Illness has an excellent breakdown of various mental disorders, their signs, and information about treatment and preventative care.

  Take a Screening

  Sandhills Access2Care

  This is a free and confidential online screening tool that allows to do self screen for mental health and substance use disorders. It allows you to print or email your results and gives referral information. Please note that screenings do not provide a diagnosis; they only indicate whether or not a clinical evaluation may be necessary.

  Talk to Someone

  Friends and Family

  If you’re having trouble coping, it can be good to talk about it with someone close to you. Pick the people you trust most and can truly talk to about sensitive issues. Also, figure out ahead of time how you’d like them to support you.

  National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  1-800-273-8255 / 1-800-273-TALK

  Even if you’re not thinking about suicide, the Lifeline provides listening and support to anyone who is struggling with mental or emotional distress.

  Mental Health Greensboro is a United Way of Greater Greensboro strategic partner, working to break the cycle of poverty for families in Greater Greensboro.

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