How to Interact With Someone Who Has a Mental Illness
Do not assume that everybody who has a mental illness is violent., Be sensitive and thoughtful., Recognize that people who have a mental illness are just like everyone else., Do not ask someone if they have a mental illness; wait for them to tell...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Do not assume that everybody who has a mental illness is violent.
Movies like Psycho are fiction.
Keep in mind that it is statistically speaking, mentally ill people are no more violent than the average person.
Do not be wary of people with mental illness.
Sometimes people can be wary and unsure how to act around a person with mental illness because they don't understand them.
Treat them how you would treat yourself or a normal person. -
Step 2: Be sensitive and thoughtful.
Questions that seem harmless, like "Did you take your pills today?" can be very hurtful. Often people with mental illness feel different from other people.
If you are concerned that something is wrong, try asking "Is everything okay?"
They get sad, they fall in love, they get angry, etc.
Don't treat them any differently to anyone else. , It can be very upsetting for a person with mental illness if you ask them if they are mentally ill.
Wait until they are ready to tell you. , People with mental illnesses are human and complex like everyone else.
Don't patronize them or be thoughtless just because they are different from other people.
Treat them like you would a normal person. , Some people feel more comfortable disclosing information than others.
Wait until they are ready to tell you personal things. , Try to increase your awareness and knowledge and educate yourself.
With knowledge comes understanding. , Anyone of any age, race, sexual orientation, gender, economic background and education level can have a mental illness. , Look out for the person with mental illness and treat them as you would a friend. -
Step 3: Recognize that people who have a mental illness are just like everyone else.
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Step 4: Do not ask someone if they have a mental illness; wait for them to tell you.
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Step 5: When interacting with a person who has a mental illness
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Step 6: treat them as you would treat anyone else you know.
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Step 7: Do not ask too many personal questions.
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Step 8: Try to recognize that a mental illness is treatable
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Step 9: but it does not have a cure.
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Step 10: Remember
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Step 11: mental illness doesn't discriminate.
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Step 12: Be gentle and thoughtful.
Detailed Guide
Movies like Psycho are fiction.
Keep in mind that it is statistically speaking, mentally ill people are no more violent than the average person.
Do not be wary of people with mental illness.
Sometimes people can be wary and unsure how to act around a person with mental illness because they don't understand them.
Treat them how you would treat yourself or a normal person.
Questions that seem harmless, like "Did you take your pills today?" can be very hurtful. Often people with mental illness feel different from other people.
If you are concerned that something is wrong, try asking "Is everything okay?"
They get sad, they fall in love, they get angry, etc.
Don't treat them any differently to anyone else. , It can be very upsetting for a person with mental illness if you ask them if they are mentally ill.
Wait until they are ready to tell you. , People with mental illnesses are human and complex like everyone else.
Don't patronize them or be thoughtless just because they are different from other people.
Treat them like you would a normal person. , Some people feel more comfortable disclosing information than others.
Wait until they are ready to tell you personal things. , Try to increase your awareness and knowledge and educate yourself.
With knowledge comes understanding. , Anyone of any age, race, sexual orientation, gender, economic background and education level can have a mental illness. , Look out for the person with mental illness and treat them as you would a friend.
About the Author
Jack Stone
Writer and educator with a focus on practical DIY projects knowledge.
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