How do you tell a friend they need help?

However do you tell a friend they are ill? How do you tell someone to get help?

I have an aquaintance who seems to be droping further into illness. I have grown convinced her beliefs that both her employer and union are persecuting her are paranoid delusions. I have tried to support her in this but there comes a point that you can't any longer.

She still needs support and friendship but I don't want to further encourage her delusions. How though - is there a gentle way - do I tell her she needs psychiatric help?

You might suggest that she might need help in dealing with her stress from the situation. Then let the counselor lead her to any other conclusion.

"I am concerned about you lately. The reason I'm saying that is because..." -and tell your friend the reason for your concern.

I recently had 2 people tell me i may be getting ill again, in the end i found out it was caused by a new med. I was acting strange and i admit it even though i didn't want to. I still hate it when i have an episode which is rare, usually caused by people not listening to me. or so i thought.

thx for the suggestions. I have apparently insulted or offended her already by refusing to agree to some of her beliefs. She is saying some rather slanderous things about a public figure and is seeking to reinforce this by securing agreement. If I am able to garner her attention again I will use your suggestions.