You do not have to figure this out alone.
When someone you care about is struggling, it can be hard to know what to say, what to do or where to begin. You may be concerned about their mental health, substance use, ability to manage daily life or access to essentials like food or housing. You may notice changes in their behavior or relationships. Or you may simply know that something does not feel right. We can help you understand the options, find helpful resources and take the next step.
Get Help
Heading?
What are you noticing?
You do not need to know the name of a service or program. Start with what you are seeing.
- Changes in mood, behavior or personality
- Increased anxiety, sadness or isolation
- Difficulty at school, work or home
- Alcohol or drug use that is causing concern
- Trouble managing daily responsibilities
Heading?
Find information and guidance
Sometimes the first step is learning more. Our Resource Center offers practical information to help individuals, families and caregivers better understand challenges that can affect well-being. You can find guidance on topics such as:
- Recognizing when someone may need support
- Starting a difficult conversation
- Understanding common mental health concerns
- Supporting someone through recovery
- Caring for yourself while helping someone else
Start the conversation
It is normal to feel unsure about what to say. Begin with what you have noticed and let the person know you care. You might say:
“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately.”
“I’m concerned about you. How have you been feeling?”
“You do not have to handle this alone.”
“Would you be open to looking for support together?”
Help them connect with support
You can’t make every decision for them, but you can help make the process feel less overwhelming. You can offer to:
Review information together
Help them contact Oaks
Provide transportation or other practical support
Continuing checking in
Support for Families and Caregivers
Supporting someone through a difficult time can be emotionally and physically exhausting.
If you’re caring for an adult living with mental illness, Intensive Family Support Services in Camden and Mercer Counties can help you better understand their needs, navigate available resources and care for your own well-being along the way.
Learn MoreFAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
We know choosing care for a loved one is a big decision. Here are a few answers to help you feel confident and supported as you take the next step.
View All FAQsOaks offers crisis and urgent mental health services that can help in many situations. The right place to start will depend on the person’s age, location and immediate needs.
Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: For 24/7 mental health, suicide or alcohol/drug use support.
Call 911: You or someone else is in immediate danger or needs emergency medical attention.
You do not have to figure it out alone. Oaks can help you learn about available services, understand possible next steps and find resources that may help you support the person you care about. Learn more here.
Start with concern rather than judgment. Let them know what you have noticed, listen to what they are experiencing and remind them that support is available.
You do not need to have all the answers. Helping someone connect with the right resource can be an important first step. View more resources.
It can be difficult when someone you care about is not ready to seek support. You can still learn about resources, understand warning signs and get guidance about possible next steps.
If there is an immediate safety concern, seek emergency or crisis assistance.
Yes. Oaks provides integrated services for people experiencing both mental health and substance use challenges (co-occuring). Because these concerns often affect one another, addressing them together can be an important part of recovery.
