What to say & do
Practical guides for friends and family, compiled from the public guidance linked on each completed page.
In the moment
- They won't accept help - what you can doHow to keep communication open, share concerns and respond if the risk changes.
- They're saying things that aren't true - paranoid, hearing or seeing thingsHow to respond without arguing and without playing along.
- I'm worried they may be thinking about suicideWhat to ask, what to do next and where to get urgent help.
- "I'm a burden. You'd be better off without me."How to respond and when to ask about suicide.
- They're angry with me and I get the blameHow to respond, pause an argument and set limits.
- I've found out they're self-harmingHow to respond calmly and help them find support.
When it's a crisis
- Phoning for help - what to sayWhat to say on a 999 or 111 call and what information to have ready.
- If they're sectioned - what happensUnderstanding a Mental Health Act assessment and the practical questions to ask.
- Coming home after a crisisWhat to ask before discharge and how to keep in contact afterwards.
When the system is difficult
- Mental-health services have said noHow to clarify the decision, pass on new information and raise a concern or complaint.
- They say the person “has capacity”What capacity means, what it does not mean and what you can ask.
- Mental health and alcohol or drug useWhat to do when two services pass the person between them.
- Write your concerns to their GPBuild a clear letter that the practice can add to the record.
Supporting someone with...
- PsychosisChoose what you need: what to say, a first episode, refused help, the longer term or support for you.
- BipolarChoose what you need: an escalating high, what to say, professional help, planning ahead or support for you.
- DepressionChoose what you need: what to say, refused help, professional support, the longer term or support for you.
The basics behind every guide
- How to listen when you don't know what to sayGive them time, ask open questions and allow pauses.
- Why arguments can make things harderWays to lower the pressure and deal with one issue at a time.
Plan & know
- Make a crisis plan togetherFill it in during a good spell - the early signs, what helps, who to call. Print it for the fridge.
- Things families wish they'd known soonerUseful facts about 111, confidentiality, "nearest relative" and more.
- I am worried about a child or an adult at riskWhen and where to raise a safeguarding concern.
Other subject areas are still being developed. Each one will use the same visible source-attribution model as the depression area.