What to do if you suspect a mental illness in yourself or a family member

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Title: What to do if you suspect a mental illness in yourself or a family member

Introduction: Mental health is crucial for family well-being. This article offers guidelines for addressing mental issues, including treatment preparation and communication.

Keywords: ['Preparation for medical consultation', 'Professional assistance', 'Mental illness']

The mental health survey in China (2019) showed that the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders (excluding dementia in the elderly) among adults (aged 18 and above) is 16.6% (which indicates that approximately 1 in 6 individuals may experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime), and the 12-month prevalence rate is 9.3% (indicating that nearly 1 in 10 people experienced some mental disorder within a year). These figures highlight the widespread existence of mental illnesses. If you or a family member suspects they may have a mental disorder, don't panic; seek professional help promptly. The doctor will guide you on how to prepare for the consultation and choose a professional healthcare institution.

If you suspect a family member may have a mental illness, what preparations should be made before seeking medical help?

First, do not panic. Make preliminary observations and take notes to avoid incomplete expressions due to nervousness or other factors when seeking medical attention.

You can use your phone's memo or notebook to record the following content:

Emotional changes: persistent feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety, and a tendency to lose one's temper.

Abnormal speech or behavior: talking to oneself, cursing at empty space, social withdrawal, insomnia or hypersomnia, suicidal thoughts or self-harm, fear of going out, keeping doors tightly locked, breaking things, not eating meals with family, etc.

Cognitive issues: Is there a decline in memory or the emergence of paranoia, such as a firm belief that one is being monitored or poisoned, feeling unsafe even when such situations do not actually exist?

If the patient simultaneously exhibits physical discomfort, they should first be taken to a general hospital for examination to rule out any corresponding physical issues, such as checking thyroid function and conducting head CT/MRI scans to exclude tumors or cerebrovascular lesions. Afterwards, they can visit a psychiatric or psychological department, bringing along any previously conducted tests and medical records.

3. Choose a hospital in advance and make an appointment; in emergency situations, you can opt for emergency care.

If the patient has a history of alcohol or substance abuse, it is important to inform the doctor truthfully.

If you get sick, what should you do?

You should contact family members first and seek medical attention at a reputable hospital as soon as possible, seeking the help of a doctor and avoiding the reluctance to confront illness.

If serious suicidal thoughts occur, it is essential to inform family members immediately to seek their assistance, and you can also call the hotline at 12356 for help.

Before going for a medical appointment, it can be helpful to write down any concerns or questions you might have for the doctor. Showing this list during your visit can help ensure that nothing is overlooked and save time.

After the consultation, take medication on time and have regular check-ups.

3. How to choose professional help?

1. Choose reputable medical institutions, specifically those approved by the National Health Commission. You can verify qualifications on the National Health Commission's official website by visiting the service section and selecting information queries related to medical institutions. It is advisable to prioritize hospitals with qualifications in "Clinical Psychology" or "Psychiatry." Both general hospitals and specialized psychiatric hospitals can be consulted; general hospitals' psychiatry/psychology departments are more suitable for mild to moderate mental health issues and for those who may feel uncomfortable with the "psychiatry" label.

In case of emergencies such as injury or self-harm, you can call the mental health hotline at 12356, where operators can provide you with advice or assistance.

3. Do not self-diagnose: Tests on platforms like Douyin or Xiaohongshu cannot replace professional evaluations; psychological assessments are for reference only.

4. Beware of scams: Avoid traditional Chinese medicine clinics or spiritual healing courses that claim to "cure all diseases"; stick to medical institutions approved by the National Health Commission.

After the consultation, how should one care for a patient with mental illness at home?

1. Remove sharp objects, ropes, etc. Medications should be kept in the care of designated personnel and must not be given to the patients.

2. Keep the room lighting soft (avoid strong light stimulation), ensure that the patient gets enough sleep, and maintain a regular schedule.

Family members need to remind the patient to take their medication to prevent missed doses and ensure the desired effects are achieved.

If the patient refuses to take medication, alternative options include orally disintegrating tablets (such as olanzapine) or liquid formulations (such as risperidone). Additionally, there are long-acting injectables available, such as the risperidone microsphere injection (administered intramuscularly once every two weeks) or paliperidone injection (administered intramuscularly in three formulations: once a month, once every three months, and once every six months), which are very convenient.

5. Maintain effective communication with the patient and avoid directly contradicting what the patient says. For example, you could say, "I hear you saying that you see things, but I haven't seen anything. Let's talk to the doctor together."

If there are any changes in the condition, it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital for a check-up as soon as possible.

In the initial stage, it is recommended to visit the hospital for a follow-up once a month. The doctor will adjust the medication dosage based on the patient's changing condition; if any side effects occur, prompt attention from the doctor is necessary.

After taking the medication, routine tests are required, such as liver and kidney function tests, blood tests, and electrocardiograms.

Be wary of advertisements claiming to "cure schizophrenia"; mental illnesses require long-term management.