Staging an intervention for a loved one is a significant step in addressing concerns related to their mental health or substance abuse issues. This first step in their journey towards recovery  can be one of the most challenging. An intervention offers loved ones the opportunity to express concern, provide support, and encourage an individual suffering from mental health or addiction to seek professional help.

When an intervention is needed

Recognising when to intervene can be difficult, especially when it involves someone close to you. often, individuals struggling with mental health disorders or addiction will downplay or deny the severity of their problems, making it easy to overlook critical warning signs. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, only half of people with mental illness receive treatment. By knowing when someone exhibits signs of struggling with mental health, you can encourage them to seek help in getting better.

Not all warning signs are the same for each person suffering from mental health or addiction, making it even harder to recognise when someone you love is suffering. With each person struggling with mental illness or addiction, they may handle emotions, behaviour, and physical wellbeing differently. In some cases, they may even hide their problems altogether. However, there are some telltale signs that could help recognise mental illness or addiction that allow you to begin the discussions that could help them understand and improve their well-being.  

Mental health symptoms

Mental health concerns can manifest in many different ways. Common symptoms that may indicate the need for an intervention include:

• Severe mood swings. Drastic changes in mood, from extreme irritability to overwhelming sadness, may indicate underlying mental health issues like bipolar disorder, depression, or anxiety.
• Withdrawal from loved ones. If your loved one has isolated themselves, avoiding family gatherings, social activities, or even simple conversations, this could be a sign of depression or other mental health struggles.
• Changes in daily functioning. Poor hygiene, neglect of responsibilities (work, family, school), or a significant change in sleeping or eating habits could point to mental health deterioration.
• Expressions of hopelessness. Frequent mentions of feeling hopeless, trapped, or like a burden, along with references to suicide or self-harm, are serious warning signs that immediate intervention may be necessary.
• Substance use as a coping mechanism. Sometimes, mental health and substance abuse are interconnected. If your loved one is using drugs or alcohol to cope with mental health challenges, the problem may escalate quickly.

Addiction symptoms

Addiction often follows a progressive pattern that worsens over time, making it essential to intervene before the situation spirals out of control. Here are key signs of addiction:

• Loss of control. If your loved one is unable to limit or control their use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances despite their best efforts, this is a clear indicator of addiction.
• Neglecting responsibilities. As their substance use consumes them, people who struggle with addiction may neglect their obligations to family, work, or school.
• Risky behaviours. Individuals with addiction may engage in risky activities such as driving under the influence, stealing, or engaging in dangerous behaviour to obtain drugs or alcohol.
• Physical and mental health deterioration. Frequent sickness, weight loss, lack of energy, and significant mental health declines (such as anxiety or paranoia) often accompany severe addiction.
• Denial. One of the hallmark symptoms of addiction is denial. Your loved one may downplay their substance use, claim they don’t have a problem, or become defensive when confronted about their behaviour.

Preparing for an intervention

Once you’ve identified that an intervention is necessary, the next step is preparing for it. a successful intervention requires careful planning, as confronting someone about their mental health or addiction can be emotionally charged and delicate.

The first step is gathering a support team. The support team should consist of close family members, friends, or trusted individuals who care deeply for the person’s well-being and are committed to supporting them on their road to recovery. In most cases with interventions, it’s best to limit the group to people who will remain calm and constructive during the intervention. In addition, to some, too many people in an intervention can be overwhelming.  

Once each person is chosen to help with the intervention, they should plan what they want to say. in most cases, a mental health professional also joins the intervention to guide the discussion and ensure that it is a safe space for the person suffering with mental health or addiction. They can also help the support team determine what they want to say to their loved one.

With any intervention, the goal is to encourage a loved one to seek help. For this reason, there will need to be a plan for treatment. Those suffering with mental health have several options available, ranging from therapy to inpatient treatment. for those suffering with addiction, they may also need to seek help through a detox programme. A clear path forward makes it easier for your loved one to take the next step.

Hosting an intervention

When hosting the intervention, it’s important to set the tone early on, emphasising that the purpose is out of love and concern, not blame. Here are key points to consider during the process:

• Open with love and concern. The first speaker should set the tone by expressing genuine concern and love. This helps reduce defensiveness and opens the door for a more productive conversation.
• Be clear but compassionate. Each participant should speak clearly and share their observations without shaming or accusing the person. Stick to the facts, and avoid emotional outbursts or harsh criticism.
• Present the treatment options. After sharing concerns, present the treatment options that have been researched and explain why immediate help is necessary. Ensure that arrangements are already in place to begin the programme as soon as possible.
• Listen to their response. The person being confronted will likely feel overwhelmed, defensive, or emotional. Give them space to respond, but be firm in your insistence that professional help is needed.
• Follow through with boundaries. If your loved one refuses help, it’s crucial to follow through with the consequences and boundaries discussed earlier. While this may be difficult, it shows that the group is serious about the intervention and the need for recovery.

Professional help and resources

An intervention is best done with the help of a mental health professional, as it can be a complex and emotional process. There are plenty of professional help and resources for those supporting a loved one on the road to recovery. Read out to a behavioural health centre or other mental health and addiction resource directly to discuss the steps of staging and intervention, as well as the steps that follow.

Ellen Diamond, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.