Q. Someone I know appears to be mentally stressed or troubled. It raises the questions: When should I become concerned? How should I respond to any unusual mannerisms they may exhibit?
A. If someone shows signs of mental stress or angst, pay close attention to any significant changes in their behavior. Should their actions become extreme, reach out to a healthcare provider or seek professional guidance promptly. In cases where you believe the individual may pose a risk to themselves or others, it is critical to contact appropriate authorities immediately. Your attentiveness and proactive approach in addressing the situation are commendable and can make a significant difference in providing care for those in need.
What to look for
Recognizing signs of distress can be crucial to providing support and assistance. Some common indicators include:
Excessive panic or anxiety
Noticeable decrease in social interactions
Frequent absences from
social gatherings or activities
Feelings of fatigue or apathy, changes in sleeping patterns, significant fluctuations in weight
Alterations in personal hygiene habits
Isolation or withdrawal from social situations
Expressions of hopelessness or helplessness in conversations, texts, emails or online posts.
It is important to note that this list is not exhaustive, and individuals may be experiencing distress without displaying overt behaviors. Seeking professional advice is recommended if you have concerns about the welfare of those around you, whether they are family members, friends, caregivers, coworkers or acquaintances.
What can you do?
When offering assistance to someone showing signs of distress, communication and empathy are key. Initiating a conversation with an open-ended question such as "How is it going?" and actively listening in a nonjudgmental manner can help you understand the individual's perspective and needs.
If you feel unable to effectively engage with the person, involving others who may be better equipped to provide support is advised. Encouraging the individual to seek help from a clinician or mental health professional can also be beneficial, with resources such as helplines, urgent care centers, general practitioners, and enlisting additional healthcare provider support for guidance.
What does the science say?
Performing meaningful gestures for others can have a significant positive impact on our body, as evidenced by scientific research. Acts of kindness have been shown to boost the production of three key brain chemicals—dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin, often referred to as the "happiness trifecta." These chemicals play a role in improving mood and overall well-being. Studies have also demonstrated that helping others lowers the risk of depression by promoting social interaction, which is beneficial for heart health. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have even found a link between volunteerism and a reduced risk of high blood pressure, a major factor in various cardiovascular conditions.
Engaging in acts of service and altruism have a range of mental and emotional advantages by decreasing stress levels and enhancing overall wellness. Physical activity through caregiving helps older adults maintain muscular and bone strength as they age. Providing support to individuals boosts self-esteem and confidence, fostering a sense of achievement. Moreover, helping others can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, leading to a greater sense of belonging, opportunities to forge new friendships, and increased connections within one's community.
Moral aspects
Immanuel Kant, a philosopher and Enlightenment thinker, believed in the moral value of acting for the good of others over acting for one's own benefit. The concept of altruism is debated among philosophers, with some viewing it as an innate human trait to be nurtured and valued, while others see it as a cultural construct influenced by a cost-benefit analysis. According to the social-exchange theory, certain acts of service may be driven by self-interest. Each individual weighs the rewards of their actions against potential negative outcomes, leading to adjustments based on personal considerations.
On the other hand, the empathy-altruism hypothesis posits that true altruistic behavior arises from a genuine desire to help those in need. In situations where helping others may come at a personal cost, the decision to proceed is driven by the belief that the benefits to the recipient outweigh any sacrifice on the part of the helper. By engaging in acts of kindness, individuals can experience the positive effects of increased happiness and well-being, both for themselves and those they assist.
Karen Casanovas, PCC, CPCC, CLIPP is a health and wellness professional coach practicing in Anchorage. If you have questions write to her at info@karencasanovas.com.
