Communicating in Mental Health Settings

A person who is experiencing depression may be feeling very sad, hopeless and unmotivated. They may also be irritable or restless.

• Use a warm and accepting manner
• Be empathetic
• Ask how you can help
• Allow the person time to respond
• Use open-ended questions
• Be patient and understanding

A person who is depressed may be feeling very sad, hopeless and unmotivated. They may also be irritable or restless.

• Use a warm and accepting manner
• Be empathetic
• Ask how you can help
• Allow the person time to respond
• Use open-ended questions
• Be patient and understanding

A person who is anxious may be feeling tense, restless or agitated, and may be experiencing fear or panic.

• Decrease environmental stimuli – move to a quiet area
• Listen to the person
• Answer questions directly
• Respect their personal space
• Use a calm manner
• Offer acceptance and reassurance of safety

A person who is manic may be feeling very elated and may be irritable and having racing thoughts.

• Remove to a quiet environment
• Speak clearly and concisely
• Be honest and direct – don’t patronize
• Set constructive limits on negative behaviour
• All choices, but be specific
• Build on their strengths
• Don’t confuse the behaviour with the person, focus on the behaviour
• Focus on the present situation – not past or future
• Don’t allow yourself to become angry, loud or argue

The person may be hearing, seeing or sensing something that is not actually present, or may have a false belief about themselves, someone else or a situation.

• Approach person in a calm manner
• Remove to a quiet, private area (if not hostile)
• Decrease stimulation
• Listen carefully
• Avoid arguing
• Avoid reinforcing delusions or hallucinations, but don’t challenge them – simply state that you are not experiencing the same stimuli
• Make clear, concise statements
• Limit choices as the individual has difficulty making decisions