Identifying mental health problems

With live-in care it is likely that you will be placed with clients with different health issues. In most situations you will receive a brief of the client and their health issues before you arrive there.

While most of the time these are fairly accurate, there may be times when mental health issues can be misnamed as simple behaviour problems.

Telling the difference between behavioural issues and mental health may not always be easy, particularly if the client is under stress. There is also no easy test to show that your client suffers from mental health problems.

There are, thankfully, some signs that will indicate that your client has mental health issues instead of behavioural problems.

While there are different behavioural patterns with clients who suffer from Dementia, most of the clients you are placed in will have ‘normal’ behaviour patterns.

Depression and anxiety

Although we all feel sad and stressed at one time or another, a sign of mental health issues is when this is constant and interferes with daily activities.

Clients who are irritable, sad and have no interest in anything may be suffering from mental health problems. Lack of motivation, lack of energy, constant sadness and losing track of conversation may all be signs of a mental health problem.

Extreme mood swings

Sudden changes with euphoric highs and extreme lows, along with prolonged feelings of anger or irritability can be a sign of mental health problems.

While we expect some clients to be irritable and moody, ongoing feelings of anger and black moods may be a sign that things are not right.

Many physical problems with seemingly no cause

Ongoing aches and pain, headaches, stomach pains and pains with no obvious reason may be a sign of a mental health condition.

If you feel that there is no physical reason for these aches and pains, then you should talk to the GP and ascertain whether there are underlying causes such as mental health issues.

Weight and appetite changes

An unexpected weight loss of lack of appetite may be a sign of a problem. When your client is under stress they may tend to eat less and lose weight. Without a reason for the weight loss, your client may be suffering from mental health problems.  

Feelings of worthlessness

If you notice that your client is constantly telling you that he or she feels worthless or feels at fault, you may want to look a little deeper into this and ask why.

Many people who suffer from mental health problems feel that they are useless and that their lives are meaningless.

So, how do you support a client with mental health issues?

Most importantly, you should always take this seriously.  It does not, and never will work by saying that they should simply ‘snap out of it’, or it will get better soon, because it may not ever get better for your client.

If you feel that your client is suffering from mental health issues you need to consult the doctor and ask for a check-up. This will show that there are no other underlying causes and a plan can be devised to help your client.

A client with mental health problems will sometimes just need you to listen to them. Holding a hand, sitting beside them and simply being there for them will go a long way to reassure them that they are not alone.

Final thoughts

Mental health issues must always be taken seriously. You should always defer to the GP for advice on how to handle this issue.

Remember that mental health illness may be out of your range of experience so be prepared to listen to the advice of those who know more about it.

Most importantly, take it seriously and seek professional help.