How to Deal with a Mentally Unstable Person: A Guide for Compassionate Care

Dealing with a mentally unstable person can be incredibly challenging. Whether it's a family member, friend, or colleague, you might not always know how to approach the situation or how to provide the right kind of support. Mental instability, which could stem from various conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, affects how a person thinks, behaves, and interacts with the world. It's essential to handle these situations with care and compassion.

Understanding Mental Instability

What Does It Mean to Be Mentally Unstable?

First things first, let's get a clear understanding of what "mentally unstable" means. It typically refers to someone experiencing significant mental distress or disruptions that affect their normal functioning. It can manifest in different ways, from mood swings and erratic behavior to more severe symptoms like hallucinations or paranoia. The key thing is that the person may struggle to maintain control over their thoughts or actions, which is often beyond their will.

I remember a friend of mine who, for years, dealt with bouts of anxiety and depression. When they were going through a particularly hard time, it was difficult to understand their erratic behavior. But what I learned through experience and research is that mental instability is real and often not visible to others. It's crucial to approach such situations with patience.

How to Approach and Communicate with a Mentally Unstable Person

Stay Calm and Be Patient

When you’re dealing with someone who is mentally unstable, it's essential to remain calm. This can be tough, especially if they are acting in ways that seem irrational or confusing. However, raising your voice or showing frustration only adds to the tension. One of the things I found helpful was breathing deeply and taking a moment before responding, especially when emotions are running high.

I've had moments where a family member would suddenly lash out, and my initial impulse was to react in frustration. But I quickly learned that the best way to handle these situations was to stay calm, keep my tone neutral, and let them express themselves. It’s not easy, but it makes a difference.

Be a Good Listener

Another critical element in dealing with a mentally unstable person is to listen actively. Often, they may just need someone to hear them out. You don’t always have to solve their problems—sometimes, being a good listener is more than enough.

I remember an incident with a colleague who had been struggling with anxiety. Instead of offering advice right away, I just listened. It wasn’t much, but the relief on their face afterward showed me just how much it mattered. Sometimes, the presence of someone who genuinely listens can bring comfort.

Setting Boundaries for Your Own Well-being

Protect Your Own Mental Health

While it's important to be there for someone who's mentally unstable, it's equally important to protect your own mental health. Supporting someone emotionally can take a toll, and if you're not careful, it can lead to burnout. This doesn't mean you stop caring, but it's okay to set boundaries and take breaks when needed.

There was a time when I found myself emotionally drained from constantly caring for someone without taking any time for myself. I realized that I wasn’t being as helpful as I could have been because I was not in a good place mentally. Now, I make sure to step back when necessary and focus on self-care, whether it's spending time with friends or just having some quiet time.

Encourage Professional Help

You can only offer so much support. When it comes to mental instability, professional help can make all the difference. If the person you're supporting is open to it, encourage them to seek therapy or counseling. If they’re reluctant, gently suggest the benefits of professional help and let them know it’s okay to need assistance.

I remember when my cousin, who struggled with depression, finally agreed to see a therapist after months of hesitation. At first, it seemed like an uphill battle, but once they began therapy, the change was remarkable. It made me realize that professional help is vital, and it’s okay to seek it.

Recognizing When Immediate Help is Needed

Know the Red Flags

If the person you're dealing with exhibits signs of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or is a danger to others, it’s time to seek immediate help. Do not try to handle these situations alone. In these cases, contacting emergency services or a mental health crisis hotline is necessary.

I had a close call with a friend who mentioned thoughts of suicide. I knew I couldn’t just sit by and hope things would get better. I immediately contacted their family and got them the help they needed. It was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made, but I knew it was the right thing to do.

Conclusion: Compassion and Boundaries Are Key

Dealing with a mentally unstable person isn’t easy, but it’s crucial to approach it with compassion, patience, and boundaries. You can't fix everything, but you can provide support and encourage them to seek professional help. In the end, caring for someone in this way also requires you to care for yourself.

It's a delicate balance—being there for someone while making sure your emotional well-being is intact. Remember, it's okay to take breaks, seek help when needed, and know that your presence and understanding can make a significant impact.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.