Mental health problems
Everyone has periods when things are more difficult. That's normal, it's part of life. Being bullied at school, unexpectedly losing a loved one, struggling with a chronic illness... It can lead to complaints such as sleeping problems, stress or a lot of worrying. If these complaints persist for a long time and they limit daily functioning (social and professional), there is a psychological disorder. Some common ones are burnout, depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol abuse.
How you deal with setbacks and complaints is determined by various factors. These can be biological, psychological or social in nature.
Due to the combination and accumulation of vulnerability factors and stressful events, the same event can have a different impact on everyone. Some people don't feel well for a few days or weeks, have psychological complaints, but then it seems to go away on its own. Others continue to suffer from it for longer, which can cause psychological disorders.
700,000 Flemish people
One in four Flemish people suffers from a serious mental illness. In concrete terms, approximately 700,000 Flemish people are currently struggling with this.
- twelve percent of Flemish employees are at risk of burnout;
- twenty percent of women and ten percent of men will experience some form of depression at some point;
- one in eight people suffer from an anxiety disorder;
- ten percent of Flemish people exhibit problematic alcohol use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes you notice that someone is behaving differently than usual and you wonder if something is wrong. But from when should you worry?
Some signs can indicate that someone is having a hard time.
Change in behavior
People with psychological problems often show changes in their behavior such as:
- concentration problems;
- alcohol or drug use;
- reckless behavior;
- agitation;
- restlessness;
- short temper;
- excessive worry;
- eating problems.
Be alert if this behavior is new, clearly increasing, or associated with a loss, painful event, or other major change.
These behavioral changes are often accompanied by sleep problems , which can further worsen the situation. Pay attention to someone who indicates that nights are difficult or feels increasingly exhausted.
Change in emotions
If someone is not doing well, you usually notice this in their emotions: irritated or angry more often, less cheerful, crying more quickly, etc. Rapid fluctuations in mood can also be a sign.
Hopelessness often predominates in people who are in psychological distress. One has the feeling that the situation is hopeless and will never get better.
To retreat
People with psychological complaints isolate themselves more from the outside world. They withdraw, meet less with friends and family, are quieter, more introverted and spend less time outside.
Saying things aren't going well
Some people clearly indicate that things are not going well:
- 'I don't like it anymore.'
- 'I'm exhausted, I can't go anymore.'
Sometimes people avoid questions about their well-being or answer vaguely, which can also indicate that things are not going well:
- "I'm fine."
- "I don't want to bother you with my problems."
Always take such statements seriously. Especially if you notice multiple signals and they occur over a longer period of time, this may indicate that someone needs help.
If you are going through a difficult time, talking about it with someone you trust can provide relief .
Talking about your problems can also help clear your thoughts and make you feel less alone .
Do you find it difficult to talk to someone you know? Or do you feel like you're on your own? You can also tell your story then. You can chat anonymously or call Tele-Onthaal (106), Awel (102) and/or the Suicide Line (1813).
If complaints persist and if your daily functioning is limited by psychological suffering, it is necessary to seek professional help .
Taboo
The taboo on talking about psychological problems is great. Both for the person himself and for the people around him.
All kinds of factors play a role in this, but fear, shame and not being able to express themselves are often decisive:
- "They're going to think I'm crazy/weak/stupid."
- "They're going to have me admitted."
- 'I'm afraid of unpleasant reactions.'
- "They're going to tell others."
- 'I am ashamed of my problems/thoughts.'
- "I don't know how to talk about it."
Negative experiences with care or the idea of self-reliance can also play a role:
- 'Others can't help me anyway.'
- "I have to solve my own problems."
- 'I don't want to be a burden to others.'
Because people cannot or do not dare to talk about it or do not want to be a burden to others, they can often feel alone.
You often want to be there for others, but you just don't know what you can do. Yet there are many things you can do.
You may sometimes think:
- 'What if he really has problems? I don't know how to help.'
- "If she wants to talk about it, she will."
- "What if he gets scared and doesn't want to talk to me anymore?"
- "What if I'm wrong and there's nothing wrong at all?"
- "Am I not making it worse by asking?"
- "I don't have time to talk about it right now."
Yet there are many things you can do. You can listen, provide social support and do fun activities together. Also be alert to signs that someone is not doing well and, if necessary, refer you to professional assistance in a timely manner.
Start a conversation
How do you talk to someone who is having a hard time? Don't look too far, but start from signals you have noticed and try to be a listening ear:
- "You say you haven't been sleeping well lately, what does that do to you?"
- "I notice that you have been restless more often lately, is there something that is bothering you?"
- "I notice that you have little energy lately, do you feel like this is limiting what you want to do?"
Three basic postures
- Empathy
Empathize with the other person's situation, without introducing your own feelings and experiences. - Authenticity
Be yourself and be genuine in your reactions and feelings. - Don't judge
Show understanding.
Tips
- Make sure the conversation is open- ended. Listen with understanding and acknowledge what you hear.
- Give time and space to the story and try to empathize with the situation of the person who is having a difficult time.
- Show that you hear what is being said by actively listening and regularly checking whether you have understood correctly. Do this by repeating what was said: literally, in your own words or by summarizing.
- Help to flesh out the story .
- "You say you don't like it anymore, what don't you like anymore?"
- "I hear you've been having a hard time lately, has it been that way for a long time?"
- "It's like you feel like you're stuck, you can't see a way out."
- "How does that make you feel?"
- Don't minimize what is being said.
- Be careful not to instill guilt or judge feelings, thoughts, or behavior.
- Don't immediately come up with simple, ready-made solutions. After all, what works for you or others around you does not necessarily suit the person standing in front of you. Moreover, that is not what he needs at the moment.
- Look together at what help is needed and how you can help.
- Don't give false hope. You won't be able to solve everything. Sometimes more help is needed or you are forced to inform others about the things that were said. It is important that you keep in touch after this first conversation.
- Show that you want to be there and that the person involved can always come to you, but also regularly ask yourself how things are going. You can offer a listening ear and provide social support, but you are not a professional care provider. So do not give advice or provide medical solutions yourself, but refer in a timely manner.
Seek support
Being a listening ear for someone who is having psychological difficulties can save lives. But if it is someone close to you, it can sometimes become difficult for you too . Also keep your finger on the pulse for yourself.
If you have any questions or if it sometimes becomes too much, you can visit the Mental Health Family Platform . You will find a lot of information there and an overview of peer groups.
Get professional help
Listening to someone with psychological complaints is usually not enough to tackle problems. If you notice that the problems do not decrease or even increase, you would do well to seek professional help .