This is to help you identify anything you might not have noticed. It is not a professional assessment. It is for your own use. It will allow you to start to have a conversation or to look for professional help.
| ☐ Recent mood swings ☐ Has become more withdrawn in the last 30-60 days ☐ Has become irritated with my requests in the last 30-60 days ☐ Is not eating ☐ Is not sleeping well ☐ Is not hanging out with friends as much in the last 30-60 days ☐ Has wanted to quit their passion recently ☐ Has become defiant and aggressive with me and others ☐ I have noticed bruises/cuts lately ☐ Does not want to communicate about anything ☐ Says “I’m Fine” all the time ☐ Says “Just leave me alone” |
These are some things that you can start to be aware of and sit down and take a good look. If you are noticing any of these issues, it is critical to sit and have a conversation ASAP to address.
How to Have the Difficult Conversation
One of the hardest things to do is to try to start a conversation with someone who is in pain. In their minds they are alone and no one can relate or understand what they are going through. Self-Pity is one of the most damaging illnesses that can occur. It stops the person from dealing with reality and can take the Mind to a very dark place.
In the darkness it is difficult to make sound decisions. It is hard to breathe; it is hard to believe that there is a way out.
The first questions are critical to getting the conversation going. Here are some starters.
• I have noticed a change in you recently, has something happened to you?
• I attended a presentation recently that has made me aware of some things that I have done. I want to apologize if any of (insert what you became aware of) have caused you pain. I simply did not realize how my actions have caused issues for you.
• I have not been feeling myself lately and did some research and found that I have some things to learn. I have noticed your behaviour is similar, would you be open to learning some new things together?
• I love you very much and my biggest fear is that I am not providing what you need, can you help me un•derstand what you are dealing with?
These are all great conversation starters and take the guilt and shame off of them and show you are trying to help. Walking the dog, shooting hoops, having a day together is a great way to begin the process in a less intensive way.
Once you have begun to gain their trust and they open up, then you can bring up finding someone to help. Avoid using the words a therapist, a psychologist, a doctor. Simply say let’s find someone that could help us and then research some options together. Layout some timelines to finding the right one. Creating this structure to become healthy allows them to organize it in a way that they can stay focused and positive throughout the process.
