It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year, by Andy Williams rocketed to fame for many reasons. For many people, the holidays are a time of gift-giving, cookie baking, and experiencing the merry bliss of the holidays during the month of December.

In addition, the holidays are a time when families come together and spend time with one another. For some, this may be the only time of the year that they physically interact with family or friends.

Whether you live across the country or you simply have schedules that aren’t flexible enough for family get-togethers, the holiday season has a way of pausing life's responsibilities allowing us to enjoy the company of those who mean the most.

If you are aware and are concerned that a friend or loved one is suffering from any form of mental illness, this may be the best time to approach them. But often, the question is, how do you do so without offending them, or making the problem worse?

The following are suggestions on how to approach the situation with both love and empathy.

Your Loved One May Be Suffering From Anosognosia:

Individuals experiencing anosognosia are diagnosed as being unaware of the existence of their mental illness. They often are dismissive or deny this diagnosis even in the face of clear evidence to the contrary. In addition, some individuals lack understanding and may refuse to believe that their mental health condition is having a negative impact on their life; and very often fail to comply with treatment recommendations presented by their healthcare physician.

Why Is The Holiday Season A Good Time To Intervene?

Suppose you have a family member or a friend who is displaying signs of anosognosia. In that case, it can be difficult to know how to intervene or offer suggestions or assist them in their prognosis.

Being under pressure with work schedules and family situations, the holidays can be a welcome break, presenting more downtime which can provide the opportunity to reach out and offer friendship and explore a solution through an open discussion. In addition, individuals are more likely to be open to receiving help during this time of year because of the increased focus on family, friends, and loved ones.

Believe it or not, the holidays can be the best time to approach this subject.

Let’s talk about a few things to keep in mind when approaching your family member or friend about their mental health:

1. Choose Your Words Cautiously

When approaching individuals regarding a sensitive topic such as mental health, it is important to choose your words carefully. One would need to be respectful, understanding, and non-judgmental. Therefore, it is suggested to avoid phrases like:

• "You're not yourself,"

• "You're acting weird," or,

• "You're just imagining things."

These phrases can make the person feel attacked and diminished, and, could shut down the conversation before it even starts. Instead, try words of empathy, saying something like, "I've noticed that you've been struggling recently and I'm worried about you."

At this point, it’s important to listen closely to the response and to avoid getting defensive if they become upset. The goal is to receive a positive response to agree to seek help from a professional, and, not to argue with them about their mental condition.

2. Avoid Blaming or Shaming

Blaming and/or shaming a person will only make them feel worse and will more than likely ruin the conversation entirely. This isn't about placing blame or making an individual feel guilty—it's about getting help for someone who needs it.

Avoid pointing fingers with accusatory statements such as:

“You’re drinking too much..” “If you’re so depressed, why haven’t you done anything about it yet?” or, “Maybe if you finally leave the job you’re always complaining about, you wouldn’t feel so anxious.” While it’s incredibly important to be clear and direct with an individual, making them feel guilty or embarrassed about their situation isn’t going to get them to open up or accept your advice about how to approach and handle their struggles. More than likely, it will present the opposite response.

3. Talk About Treatment Options

If the individual is willing to talk about treatment options, that's great! If not, don't force the issue. As the ancient proverb states, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” Mental health treatment works, uniquely, if the individual accepts it willingly.

However, planting the seed by talking about the many different kinds of treatment options available that have helped others in similar circumstances can soften the approach to intervention. Doing so will not only educate them but also destigmatize the idea of an individual participating in treatment and receiving mental healthcare.

For example, you could say something like, "I know therapy helped when I had struggled in the past."

4. Suggest Seeing A Mental Health Professional

If at any point the individual is receptive to the idea of obtaining treatment, suggestions as to where, when, and how to accomplish these steps will require help from anyone concerned in the improvement of the person’s well-being. Accessing government assistance, finding a mental health professional, providing transportation, and even offering your support in accompanying an individual to their appointment is significant.

Although some people are hesitant to start treatment simply because they may not know where or how to start, referrals and advice as to where and how to obtain information will be most useful and appreciated. (Reminder: The internet can be an overwhelming place, especially for older generations.)

Guiding them to the starting line with patience and support can make the world of difference to each person in need of this important subject matter.

5. Offer Support

Let the individual know that you're there for them and offer your support however you can. This might involve simply being a listening ear or it could mean helping out with childcare or household duties so they can focus on their mental health.

Before you say anything, it is important to educate yourself on the topic of various mental illnesses. This way, you can have a better understanding of what form of treatment to ascertain, and, be better equipped to support them.

Note: There are many resources available online and at your local library.

Key Takeaways:

It can be daunting to approach a loved one, friend, or neighbor about such a personal topic but remember that doing this shows that someone cares about them and are willing to assist and guide them in obtaining the help and treatment they need.

Anosognosia is a serious mental health condition that can be difficult to detect and even more difficult to deal with. If you think that someone you know may be suffering from anosognosia, the best thing you can do is encourage them to seek professional help.

Once a diagnosis has been made, there are several treatment options available that can help an individual manage their condition and reach the goal to live a fulfilling life.

Mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of—it's treatable and manageable with the right help and assistance from family, friends, and mental healthcare professionals.