As we enter mid-October and autumn deepens, some people may feel a little sentimental or emotionally unstable at this time of year.

If it's just a temporary thing, then you don't need to worry too much, but if you know someone who has been acting a bit differently for a while, it can be a bit worrying.

This time, let's think about what kind of support we can provide when someone close to us is feeling emotionally weak.

Catch that person's "mental fatigue signs"

Stress manifests itself in a variety of mental, physical, and behavioral responses, including:

• I get irritated or sad over small things

• Decreased motivation and concentration, decreased efficiency at work and at home, and increased mistakes

• Increased lateness and absenteeism

• You become more likely to get sick

• I can't sleep well

• I feel reluctant to go out or meet people

• Becoming restless and aggressive

• Increased alcohol and tobacco use

• Loss of appetite or overeating

Just like physical fatigue, the more stress accumulates, the greater the impact it has on your mind and body.
If you feel like "that person is acting a little differently than usual..." it would be best to help them while the stress is still in its early stages.

When a loved one is in a difficult situation, how should you respond?

So, how should we respond when someone close to us, such as a partner or family member, is under stress and in a difficult situation?
I've summarized three points.

Refrain from encouraging or judging others, and instead show empathy.

If your partner complains of stomach pain, most people will encourage them to go to the hospital, but when it comes to mental health issues, people may rely on their own experiences to offer encouragement or make judgmental statements such as, "It's all in your mind, so you need to get a grip of yourself," or "Aren't you just being selfish to get upset over something like that?"

This can make the person feel like "no one understands how I feel," which can lead to even more stress.

It is important not to give hasty encouragement or make assumptions, but to accept the person's feelings of distress and empathize by saying, "I understand," or "That must be hard."

Don't get too hung up on the cause

When a difficult situation continues, the person in question, as well as those close to them, will try to find the cause.

It would be great if this could lead to solving the problem, but sometimes it can lead to "looking for a scapegoat," such as "It's because of my personality," "It's my parents' fault for raising me this way," or "It's the company's or my boss's fault."

When this happens, not only does it become more difficult, but it also tends to strain relationships with those closest to you who support you.

Rather than thinking about the cause, it is important to think together about what would be best for the person from now on.

Let's keep things "business as usual"

If your partner is feeling extremely depressed, you might try to be more careful than usual in your interactions with them, choosing your words carefully and acting in a way that doesn't provoke them.

However, sometimes such consideration can make you feel even more burdened.

In fact, sometimes just living a normal life, such as eating meals together and spending time together, can be a great source of support for the person.

Try to act as normal as possible and create an environment that makes you feel safe and relaxed.

Hiring a professional is also an option

It would be best if the stress could be resolved while it is still minor with the help of people close to you, but if you would like to incorporate a more objective perspective from a third party, one way of providing support that only people close to you can offer is to recommend that you visit a psychosomatic medicine or psychiatry clinic, or consult with a specialist such as a clinical psychologist or counselor.

Even if people are aware of their difficult situation, many think it is not serious enough to go to the hospital or seek counseling.

Those around you may find it difficult to decide whether or not to take your pet to the hospital, but there's no need to think too hard about it.

It's fine to use it with a light heart, like "going to soothe my mental fatigue."

If you notice that your loved one is acting differently than usual, remember that you can always seek professional help.