If you think a friend might be experiencing a psychological disorder…

- Understand that psychological disorders are real illnesses with real effects, and your friend cannot just “snap out of it.” Never blame someone for having a psychological disorder.

- The most important thing you can do for someone with a psychological disorder is to help him/her get treatment. The best way to do this is to be open, honest, and direct with your friend. Talk to your friend one-on-one and tell him/her that you have noticed some changes in behavior. Ask him/her if there’s anything that he/she would like to talk about. Tell your friend that you care for him/her and that you want to help. Let your friend know that help is available, and with treatment, he/she will start to feel better.

- For people with psychological disorders, the prospect of finding a counselor and starting treatment is overwhelming. To help simplify this process, offer to walk with him/her to Counseling and Psychological Services (Room 3100 in the Michigan Union; open 8am-5pm weekdays). There, he/she can make an appointment to talk to a counselor, who can provide short-term therapy and advice on long-term treatment. All services at CAPS are free and confidential. You can also offer to sit with your friend as he/she calls potential therapists and/or psychiatrists and offer to accompany your friend to his/her first appointment.

(For an online listing of local therapists and psychiatrists, their specialties, and insurance information, visit the Michigan Mental Health Networker at www.mhweb.org )

- Another important thing you can do is offer emotional support. Be supportive by learning about psychological disorders and what to expect. Don’t avoid the subject; rather, talk openly with your friend, asking what is helpful, how he/she is feeling, etc. Make sure that the person knows that he/she is not alone in dealing with this illness.

- Many individuals with psychological disorders withdraw from social activities; however, this isolation can worsen many disorders. To help combat this, invite your friend frequently to dinner, to the library, to hang out, etc. It will be a great comfort to your friend to know that he/she is welcome to hang out with you, even when he/she is not feeling perfectly happy and healthy.

- Know that people with psychological disorders have an increased risk of suicide. Signs that someone might be contemplating suicide are: expressions of hopelessness/helplessness; statements such as “You’d be better off without me” or “I won’t be around much longer”; daring or risk-taking behavior; changes in personality (esp. increased withdrawal, aggression, or moodiness); lack of interest in the future; and giving away possessions. If you think your friend might be contemplating suicide, ask him/her, “Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?” If he/she says yes, ask, “Do you have a plan? Do you know when you would do it? Do you already have access to what you would use?” An individual who is feeling suicidal, and especially an individual who has a plan to commit suicide, must see a doctor (preferably a psychiatrist) immediately. Always take thoughts or plans for suicide seriously.

- If you fear for your friend’s immediate health, have the individual call his/her therapist, or offer to do so yourself. If he/she does not have a therapist, walk with him/her to CAPS (Room 3100 in the Union) and ask to speak with the Counselor on Duty immediately; do not leave until the person has spoken with a counselor. If it is after hours, you can call the UM Hospital 24-hr crisis line (734-936-5900), which is staffed by professionals who can offer advice and support.