How many times have you claimed to be doing great but in reality, you are actually disintegrating inside? Even if we were battling with a mental health problem, nearly three-quarters of us (78 percent) would tell friends and family we were fine, according to research.
The most pernicious aspect of coping with mental health issues is how they make us feel so alone, as if no one else understands what we’re going through.
We’re never truly alone, though.
Asking Others If They Are Okay
So, let’s assume you get a feeling something is wrong with a friend or loved one. How do you keep track of them?
The first thing you should do is keep an eye out for friends, family members, and coworkers that we meet on a daily basis and notice if they are acting differently than usual. It’s not always easy to discern when someone is going through a difficult moment. Check in if something seems out of the ordinary. Just having the ability to inquire, ‘Are you okay?’ stimulates and encourages closeness.
Here are a few tips you should keep in mind:
The Right Time and Place
This type of talk has its time and place. Sometimes we may not always be in an ideal situation or place to ask how someone is doing.
We Are Not Prepared
Sometimes what stops us from asking this question is that we are not prepared. We don’t know how exactly we can help. We don’t know what we can do to make things better. Sometimes the best thing you can do is point them in the direction of someone who can.
We Are Afraid of the Answer
Sharing your innermost ideas requires a lot of courage, and it might feel especially vulnerable if they’re dark or frightening. We might be afraid of what the other person will say, so we beat around the bush and avoid knowing the worst. After all, you will be inviting someone to be vulnerable.
We Worry About Ourselves More
Sometimes we avoid asking if the other person is okay because we worry more about ourselves. Deep down, we might know that something is off, but we don’t want to carry their baggage, even though we care. But sometimes, simply being present for them could be all the assistance they require.
It May Seem Personal
This is a delicate conversation, and one will always have to proceed with caution. Some of us may think that asking or probing someone would be considered an invasion of privacy, although that may not be the case.
Final Thoughts
Take a chance and check in with a friend or loved one if you notice anything is odd with them. In the worst-case scenario, you’re overly careful. But who knows, it might just be the push they need to get assistance.