Are you concerned about someone’s mental health and unsure how to approach the subject? Starting a conversation about mental health can be daunting, but it’s crucial to offer support and connect them with appropriate resources such as a mental health care plan. This guide provides detailed steps and tips on how to initiate this conversation and provide information about mental health organisations in Australia.
Educate Yourself About Mental Health
Before initiating a conversation about mental health, it’s crucial to educate yourself on the topic. Understanding mental health, recognising signs and symptoms, and being aware of the stigma associated with mental health issues can help you approach the conversation with empathy.
Familiarise yourself with resources and organisations that can provide further support. Organisations such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline Australia, SANE Australia, and Headspace offer valuable resources and support for mental health issues. Remember, the goal is not to diagnose or provide therapy, but to express concern, offer support, and guide them towards professional help if needed.
Choose the Right Time and Place to Discuss their Mental Health
Consider a setting that is quiet, comfortable, and relaxed, where you can chat without interruptions or distractions. Ideally, this should be a familiar place where the person feels at ease. Perhaps a peaceful walk in a park or along the beach, a casual lunch catch-up or even a leisurely drive. Engaging in a shared activity that they enjoy, such as playing a sport or going hiking, could also be a good option. This approach allows the conversation to flow naturally, without the entire focus being on them.
Express Your Concerns About their Mental Health with Empathy
Begin the conversation by expressing your concern for their well-being. Use empathetic language to let them know you care about their mental health. It’s important to be genuine and sincere in your approach. Remember to use “I” statements to express your feelings, such as “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down lately” instead of “You’ve been acting strange.”
To guide the conversation, consider using these phrases:
“I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately. Would you like to talk about what’s going on?”
“I’m here for you. Can you tell me about what’s going on?”
“Is there something on your mind you’d like to chat about?”
“I’ve noticed you haven’t been going out lately, is there anything you’d like to talk about?”
Be a Good Listener
Encourage them to express their feelings and experiences. Be an active listener without any judgment. Demonstrate that you’re there to listen and understand, not to judge or provide solutions. Remember, sometimes people just need someone to vent to.
Use Open-Ended Questions
Ask open-ended questions that invite them to share more about how they’re feeling. For example, “Can you tell me what’s been on your mind lately?”. These types of questions can help them open up about their experiences.
Consider asking these additional open-ended questions:
“How have you been feeling about everything lately?”
“What’s been the most challenging part for you?”
“Can you help me understand what you’re going through?”
“What’s been keeping you up at night?”
“How have these experiences been affecting you?”
Avoid Making Assumptions
Avoid making assumptions about their feelings or experiences. Let them share their thoughts and emotions in their own words. It’s essential to respect their perspective and validate their feelings.
Offer Reassurance
Let them know that it’s okay to feel the way they do and that they are not alone in their struggles. Reassure them that many people experience similar challenges, and that help is available. You could also recommend telehealth mental health care plans, which are conveniently accessible from the comfort of their own home.
Share Mental Health Resources Gently
If the person is open to it, gently share information about mental health organisations and resources. Let them know that these organisations offer support, counselling, and information about mental health.
Encourage Help from a Mental Health Professional
If the person’s mental health appears to be severely affected, encourage them to seek professional help. Offer to assist with finding a mental health professional or making an appointment. Some services, like ours, offer Medicare rebates – meaning there is only a small out of pocket cost to talk to a mental health trained doctor about how they’re feeling. Check out our pricing for more information.
Did you know?
Under the Australian government’s mental health initiative, you or your loved ones can access Medicare rebates on mental health services – like psychology – by speaking to a GP about a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), also known as a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). With a valid Medicare card, MHCP assessments are bulk-billed, and 10 counselling or therapy sessions per year can also be Medicare subsidised – lowering the cost of treatment.
Respect Their Choices
Respecting their choices is vital in their mental health journey. Each person’s experience is unique, and their decisions should be acknowledged as their own. While you can offer support and advice, the final decision is theirs. Show support for their decisions, even if you disagree, to help them feel validated and understood.
Offer Support
Offering support is crucial when assisting someone with their mental health. Assure them that they’re not alone and you’re there to support them throughout their journey. Regular check-ins can demonstrate your concern for their wellbeing, even a simple enquiry about their day can make a difference. Maintain positivity during your interactions to instil hope. Remember, your support can significantly impact their mental health journey.
Follow Up
After the initial conversation, following up is an important part of supporting someone’s mental health journey, demonstrating your genuine care and commitment. Maintain regular contact through phone calls, text messages, or face-to-face conversations, and ask about their wellbeing. Celebrate their progress, no matter how small, to boost their confidence and motivation. Reiterate your support, providing them with a sense of security and comfort.
Frequently asked questions
If I’m caring for someone with a mental health disorder, can I be involved in their treatment plan?
You may be able to participate in 2 sessions per calendar year as part of the Mental Health Treatment Plan of the person you care for. Visit the Services Australia website for the most up to date information.
Who is eligible for a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
A qualified healthcare provider, such as a GP, must assess your eligibility for a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). This assessment includes evaluating your mental health condition, treatment needs, and goals. You will need a valid Medicare card to be assessed for a MHTP, and to receive a MHTP that is eligible for rebates.
If you don’t have a Medicare card, you will not be eligible for a rebated assessment or a Medicare subsidised MHTP.
If you are eligible for Medicare but do not have a Medicare card, you can apply for one through the Department of Human Services. Eligibility criteria for Medicare include being an Australian citizen, a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen living in Australia. Once you have a Medicare card, you can proceed with requesting a MHTP.
While a Medicare card is typically the primary means of accessing government-funded mental health services in Australia, it’s important to consider other avenues to receive the support and care you may need.
You can book a private fee appointment and speak with one of our mental health trained Doctors about your mental health concerns at any time. They can still consult with you about a general plan for your safety and wellbeing, that doesn’t include rebated sessions.
If ongoing costs are an issue, they may be able to guide you on low-cost or free mental health services provided by community organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), or public mental health clinics.
If you’re in crisis or feeling unsafe, please call 000 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Why do you need a Mental Health Treatment Plan?
One of the primary reasons for obtaining a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) is to access Medicare benefits for psychology sessions. With a valid plan, you can receive Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions with eligible mental health professionals, reducing the cost of treatment. You will need a valid Medicare card to be assessed for a MHTP, and to receive a MHTP that is eligible for Medicare rebates.
A MHTP isn’t just a piece of paper – it’s an actual plan for your mental health treatment, helping you work toward improved wellbeing and recovery. If you are seeing multiple healthcare providers for your mental health, the plan helps coordinate care among them. This ensures that all professionals involved are working together to provide you with the most effective support.
You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.
Will I get a referral as part of my mental health appointment?
If necessary, your Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) plan can include referrals to mental health specialists or allied health professionals, ensuring you receive comprehensive care. This may include access to psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, or occupational therapists.
For more info on some of these specialties, check out our article ‘Psychologist, Psychiatrist or Counsellor – What’s the difference?’.
You can book an assessment for a Mental Health Treatment Plan online. Rebates apply for Medicare card holders.