Interventions are never easy. Often, mental health interventions are a last-ditch effort to get someone the help they need. If you’re considering an intervention for someone with mental illness, there are a few things you should know, and we’ll share them with you today. In addition, this post will discuss steps for mental health interventions and what to expect in the days and weeks following an intervention.
The Importance of Working with a Certified Interventionist
Before we begin, we must first note the importance of working with a certified interventionist. This person is specially trained to help you plan and carry out an effective mental health intervention. In addition, they will be able to answer any questions you may have and provide support throughout the entire process.
Further, this post is meant to provide you with general information about mental health interventions. It is not a substitute for professional advice, and we encourage you to reach out to a certified interventionist if you have any specific questions or concerns.
What to Do Before Staging Mental Health Interventions
When you have exhausted all other options, an intervention may be the best way to get your loved one help.
But before you stage an intervention, there are a few things you need to do:
Educate yourself about mental illness
This is useful because you need to be able to have a clear understanding of what mental illness is and how it affects the person you love. If you don’t have a clear understanding of mental illness, you won’t be able to communicate with your loved one about their condition effectively.
Research treatment options
There are many different treatment options available for mental illness, and it’s useful to research all of them before you choose one. But, first, you need to find a treatment that is right for your loved one, and that will meet their specific needs.
Make sure you have a support system in place
This is critical. Staging an intervention can be emotionally taxing, and you will need all the support you can get. Make sure you have friends or family members who are willing to be there for you and who will help you through this difficult time.
(Read about family roles in addiction next)
Contact experts
Remember: interventions are best done with the help of experts. Many mental health professionals specialize in interventions and can help you plan and execute the intervention.
Prepare for all outcomes
When you’re planning an intervention, you need to be prepared for all outcomes. For example, your loved one may agree to treatment, or they may not. They may become angry or violent. It would be best if you were ready for whatever may happen and had a plan in place for all possible outcomes.
Steps to Follow During Mental Health Interventions
Now that you’ve done all the preparation, it’s time for the intervention. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Gather your group
This is the group of people who will be participating in the intervention. But, again, this should be a small group of people who are close to the person with mental illness.
2. Choose a spokesperson
One person should be designated as the spokesperson for the group. This person will be primarily responsible for communicating with the person with mental illness.
3. Write a letter
Each group member should write a letter to the person with mental illness. In these letters, you should express your love and concern for the person and explain how their mental illness has affected you and your relationship.
Here are some tips for writing these difficult letters:
- Be honest
- Write from the heart
- Avoid using “you” statements
- Try not to be judgmental
4. Choose a time and place
The intervention should take place in a safe and neutral location.
5. Be direct
When you’re speaking to a person with mental illness, you need to be direct. For example, explain that you’re concerned about their mental health and that you think they need help.
6. Listen
Be sure to listen to what the person with mental illness has to say. They may not be ready to accept help, but it’s critical to hear them out.
7. Offer help
Once you’ve listened to what the person with mental illness has to say, you can offer help. Explain what treatment options are available and offer to help them get the help they need.
What to Expect During Mental Health Interventions
Next, let’s discuss what you can expect during the mental health intervention.
The intervention will be emotional
This is to be expected. Interventions are emotionally charged events, and there is often a lot of crying, yelling, and emotions running high. Try to stay calm during the intervention and focus on the goal at hand.
Your loved one may not want to talk
During the intervention, your loved one may not want to talk. They may refuse to listen to what you have to say, or they may become angry and defensive. This is normal, and it’s helpful to try to remain calm and level-headed.
They could flee or become violent
As we mentioned before, preparing for all outcomes is crucial. Your loved one may try to flee the intervention or even become violent.
They could make threats
Your loved one may make threats during the intervention. They may threaten to harm themselves, or they may threaten to harm you or others. With proper preparation, you’ll know what to do if this happens.
What Happens After Mental Health Interventions?
After the mental health intervention is over, there are a few things you can expect:
Your loved one may need time to process what happened
You’ll want to give your loved one some time to process what happened. They may need a few days, or even a week, to calm down and think about what you’ve said.
Your loved one could also be angry with you and others involved in the intervention. It’s helpful to remember that this is normal and that it doesn’t mean they don’t love you. They may say hurtful things, but try not to take it personally. They are going through a lot, and they need time to adjust to the idea of treatment.
You will need to follow up
You can’t just stage an intervention and then forget about it. You need to follow up with your loved ones and ensure they’re getting the help they need. This may mean checking in with them regularly or even taking them to appointments.
You may need to get professional help
If your loved one agrees to treatment, you will likely need to get professional help. This could mean finding a mental health professional, or a therapist, who can help your loved one through their recovery.
You will need to take care of yourself following mental health interventions
Don’t forget that you can’t care for someone else if you’re not taking care of yourself. So make sure you’re taking time for yourself and getting the support you need. This is a difficult time for everyone involved, and it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental illness, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are many resources available, and getting help is the first step on the road to recovery.
If your loved one suffers from mental health challenges and addiction, many sober services available can make a big difference in their recovery. At Elysian Sober Services in Florida, we not only have certified interventionists but also offer sober coaching and other helpful tools for recovering.
