It’s a thin line knowing if a loved one suffers from mental health issues or is just having a moment.  For we all  can express our feelings  with a bit more robust then normal but how can you tell when that line has been crossed and if treatment needs to be pursued? Furthermore how you can help if such an episode occurs?

There is always a trigger that causes a loved one to react but the type of explosion that occurs and the damages it results in is one of the ways. In the case of paranoia an individual will fill that one remark, look or small incidence turns their relationship upside down from good to evil. Where the person who has been the “actor” is now the villain and anyone who even associates with this individual has a dark side as well.  In their mind the one suffering can only speak about the “actor” with the harshest of terms and is unable to communicate those feelings in any logical way to them. Rationality is thrown out the window and emotions is all that is left.

HELPING THOSE THAT SUFFER

(1) Empathize with emotions- The individuals logic is off course but the feelings they have are real and understanding them helps you get them through such an incidents.

(2) DON’T ARGUE LOGIC- It is a maze that you won’t be able to escape and only cause additional frustration.

(3) New direction- Stop if you can before you lose it and start a different discussion or do a different activity.

(4) Space- Give yourself a break and make some excuse (picking up Milk, walking the dog, doing some work etc) to get out until things calm down.

(5) Speak to Actor- This individual probably doesn’t even know that they’ve hurt your loved one so reaching out to them and telling them how said individual feels can help especially if the actor knows how to perform (not defensively) when they see or speak to them.

(6) Get them help- Even if you have to say that your seeking the help and want them to go with you it’s important to get them out the front door and get the help that they need.

(7) REMEMBER-Those that are suffering don’t understand what is occurring just like someone who has Cancer doesn’t understand what’s in their body at that time. Mental health treatment is like all health treatment it just occurs in a different part of the body.

I thought I was creating a new type of therapy but “Drama Therapy” actually exists. Now it’s my job to try to expand this form of helping people.  What better way to deal with your emotions and your reaction then practice them in the “artificial world”.  This way when you feel overwhelmed in the real world you can learn how to deal with it better through the artificial experiences that you’ve gone through.   It also is a therapy that allows you to let go of these burnt up feeling that can bring you down and hold you there. “Drama Therapy” could be the therapy that brings  those who have difficult in this world the skills they truly need  for success.

It’s very easy to fall into a stage of paranoia when things appear to being against you from all different sides. It could start out with someone laughing at you for a remark you made and allowing that pain to be distorted on people around you.  Maybe it’s a failure at work or school when other’s who’ve done “similar work” have pulled ahead that leads you to this painful detrimental path. Or it could simple be believing that others are leading a life of fun while you sit alone in a room. Whatever the cause it’s important to separate those feelings from reality before they cause major harm to the wonderful person you are.   Here are a few ways you can stop the pain before it becomes to severe. If those feelings become to severe and take over then it’s time to seek professional help that can show you a different path that might have been hidden from your view.

(1) Talk to a stranger about an innocuous issue and see if they have the same reaction.

(2) Do or say something totally different from the act or words that lead you to these feelings?

(3) Listen or watch a “different show” to gain a unique perspective.