HELP ME CHANGE
Family Member

Talking to someone you love about getting help may be one of the most difficult and stressful decisions you’ll ever make. When issues like addiction, sexual abuse, eating disorders or talk of suicide threaten you or someone in your family, it’s time to act. Your doctor can help.

It doesn’t have to be a matter of life and death to engage someone in a discussion about making change. What matters is sharing concern in a positive, loving way. Talk about events and behaviors without making judgements.

You might say, for example, “I’m really worried about you because you’ve not slept in three days.” or, “I was really scared last night when you got angry and threw the book across the room.” Tell him/her that you want them to get help and offer to go along to the first appointment.

On-line screening tests may help identify certain characteristics of mental health issues or behavior problems but only your doctor or a mental health professional can make an accurate diagnose and direct your medical treatment.

So, if you think you, a friend or a family member might need help, or if you’re just going through a tough time in your life and need someone to help you work through the issues, help is available at Family Medical Center.

American Mental Health Association
www.nmha.org

American Association of Suicidology
www.suicidology.org
www.kidsgrowth.com

American Academy of Family Physicians
www.familydoctor.org