How to Stage a Mental Health Intervention

Staging a mental health intervention is a challenging but sometimes necessary step when a loved one’s mental health struggles are getting worse. It’s not an easy decision to make, and the process can feel overwhelming, but it can also be a chance to show them they’re not alone and that help is available. 

Knowing how to approach the conversation with care and support can make all the difference in encouraging your loved one to seek the help they need. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps for staging an intervention, from understanding when it’s time to act to what to do if they refuse help.

What is a Mental Health Intervention?

A mental health intervention is when friends, family, or loved ones come together to talk to someone about their mental health struggles. The goal is to help them see that they need support, whether that’s through therapy or other treatments. It’s a chance to show that you care and want them to get the help they deserve, without pushing them too hard.

Interventions are usually planned with the help of a professional, like a therapist, who can guide the conversation and make sure it stays supportive. The idea is to encourage the person to seek help, not to force them into anything.

When Should I Consider Staging a Mental Health Intervention?

Knowing when someone needs mental health treatment severely enough to warrant staging an intervention can be tough. It’s usually when you see signs that someone’s mental health is getting worse but they don’t seem ready to ask for help. Here are some signs it might be time to step in:

• They’ve been pulling away from family, friends, or activities they used to enjoy.

• They’re having trouble with everyday things like work, school, or relationships.

• They seem hopeless, sad, or have talked about harming themselves.

• They’ve been doing risky things or using substances to cope with their depression.

• They’ve turned down help before, but things seem to be getting worse.

Who Should Be Involved in an Intervention?

Having a group of people who care and are willing to be there for the person can make a big difference in encouraging them to seek help. The people involved in an intervention should be those who care about the person and want to support them in getting help. It’s important to have a group that can share their concerns and offer support in a calm, non-judgmental way. Here’s who should be involved:

• Close family members: Parents, siblings, or children who have a strong emotional connection to the person.
• Close friends: People the person trusts and who can offer encouragement and support.
• Therapist or counselor: A professional can help guide the conversation and make sure it stays on track.
• Other supportive individuals: Anyone who the person values and feels comfortable with can be part of the intervention.

Who Shouldn’t Be Involved

Not everyone should be part of an intervention. Involving the wrong people can derail the intervention, so it’s crucial to choose carefully. Here are some people who might not be helpful in this situation:

• People who might get too emotional or angry: The person might feel attacked or overwhelmed.
• People who have a history of conflict with the person: This can make the conversation feel more like a confrontation than support.
• People who aren’t ready to stay calm and supportive: It’s important that everyone involved can keep the conversation respectful and focused.

How to Have the Conversation

Having a mental health intervention is delicate, so it’s important to approach the conversation with care and understanding. Here are some key things to keep in mind when you’re talking to your loved one.

Choose a Private Place Where They Feel Safe

Have the intervention in a private space where your loved one feels comfortable and not exposed. A quiet, familiar environment helps them feel safe and less defensive, which is important for an open and honest conversation. Avoid public places or spaces where there might be distractions, noise, or interruptions. The goal is to have their full attention without outside pressures, where they can listen and process what’s being said.

Be Gentle But Direct in Your Approach

Don’t beat around the bush—be upfront, but make sure your words are compassionate. It’s easy to shy away from tough topics, but softening the message too much can make it unclear. Instead, express your concerns calmly, focusing on how their behavior has impacted them and those around them. For example, saying something like “I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling lately, and I’m worried you don’t currently have the support you need to feel better” can open the door to the conversation without making them feel like they’re being blamed.

Avoid Criticizing Them

Criticism will only make them feel attacked, which will likely make them shut down or become defensive. Focus on the facts and how their behavior has affected them and others. If you need to mention something negative, make sure it’s framed in a way that expresses concern rather than judgment. For instance, “I know this isn’t easy, but I’m worried about how this is affecting your health” is much more constructive than simply saying, “You’re ruining your life.”

Don’t Make It About You

An intervention should never be about your feelings or frustrations; it’s about your loved one and their need for help. Keep the focus on them and avoid making it about your own emotions or how their struggles have impacted you personally. 

For example, instead of saying, “I can’t take it anymore,” or “I’m tired of dealing with this,” shift the conversation to focus on their well-being. You can say something like, “I’m really concerned about what this is doing to you, and I want to see you get better.” This keeps the conversation focused on their needs and makes them feel supported, not burdened.

Emphasize That You’re Here For Them

Throughout the conversation, it’s vital to remind them that you’re there for them, not to criticize or punish, but to offer support. Make sure they know that the conversation comes from a place of love and care, and that you’re in this together. Reassure them that you’ll be with them through the recovery process and that seeking help is a positive step forward. This reassurance can help reduce their fear and anxiety about what comes next. Let them know that getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness and that you believe in their ability to get better.

What to Do if They Refuse Help

The fear that your loved one might refuse help often makes people hesitant to hold a mental health intervention. If you’re unsure if this is the right thing to do, know that even if someone refuses help initially, your continued care and support can make a big difference in the long run. Whether they consciously realize it now or not, you’re providing them with a sense of safety and reducing feelings of isolation. 

Here’s some insight and advice for handling this situation:

Why They Might Refuse Help

There are many reasons someone might refuse help, and understanding them can make it easier to approach the situation with care. Fear is a big one: facing mental health issues can feel overwhelming, and they might be scared of the changes treatment could bring. Shame or embarrassment about needing help can also stop them from accepting it, even if they’re struggling.

Sometimes, people refuse help because they don’t see how serious the problem is. They might be in denial, thinking things aren’t as bad as they seem. Others might resist because they don’t want to appear weak or out of control. There can also be a stigma around getting help for mental health, especially if they’re worried about what others might think.

Past experiences with treatment might also play a role. If they’ve tried before and didn’t find it helpful, they may feel that it won’t work this time. Some people just feel they’re managing okay on their own, even if they aren’t. Knowing why they’re refusing help can help you stay empathetic and avoid taking it personally.

How to Respond

• Stay calm and give them space: It’s important to stay patient and not push them too hard, but keep the conversation open for the future.
• Acknowledge their concerns: Let them know you understand how they feel, but remind them that getting help is a positive step, not a sign of weakness. 
• Reassure them of your support: Remind them that you’ll be there for them, no matter what they decide, and that you want to see them get better.
• Offer to explore options together: Share there are different types of treatment there are different treatment options available, like therapy or support groups, and help them find what might work best for them and the type of depression or mental health struggle they face.
• Keep the door open: Let them know you’re willing to talk whenever they’re ready and that you’re there to help whenever they decide to take the next step.

Find Support From Mental Health Professionals

Staging a mental health intervention is a big step, but the journey doesn’t stop there. Your loved one will need ongoing support to heal and thrive.

At Northpoint Nebraska, our outpatient mental health programs support both individuals struggling with mental health and their loved ones. With personalized care, therapy, and ongoing support, we can help you and your loved one navigate recovery together. Contact us today to learn more about how our programs can make a lasting difference.