16 Ways to Support Someone With Mental Health Problems

It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see someone you love and care about battling with their mental health. Your first instinct might be to jump in and fix everything, but it’s important to pause and remember that you’re not a real mental health professional. While it’s understandable that you want to help, acting without the right approach can sometimes do more harm than good. It is so important to approach the situation thoughtfully rather than rush in to try to fix things without understanding. Start by reading these practical and compassionate ways to support someone struggling with their mental health.

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Learn On

Understanding mental health fitness is the first step to providing meaningful support and learning about the specific mental health condition your friend is experiencing. Resources like books, reputable websites, and mental health organizations can provide valuable information. Being informed helps you understand what your friend is going through and dispel any misconceptions you might have; this knowledge will enable you to offer better support and empathy.

Listen Up

Sometimes, the best support you can offer is simply listening. Let your friend express their feelings and thoughts without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Show that you are fully present and engaged in the conversation by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and using phrases like “I understand” or “I’m here for you.”

Avoid judging or minimizing their experiences.

Be Patient

Mental health recovery can be a slow process with many ups and downs; do not pressure your friend to “get better” quickly – it won’t happen. Your friend might have good and bad days, so remaining patient throughout this journey is essential. Allow them to progress at their own pace and reassure them that you’ll support them no matter what.

Help Out

Mental health issues can make daily tasks overwhelming, and offering practical help can ease your friend’s burden. This might include helping with chores, running errands, or accompanying them to appointments. You could offer to cook a meal for them or order food in your favorite take away, help with house cleaning, or drive them to therapy sessions.

Encourage Therapy

While your support is invaluable, having professional help from a counselor is often essential for dealing with mental health issues. Encourage your friends to seek professional guidance if they have not already, and be respectful and understanding if they are hesitant. Gently suggest therapy by sharing how it has helped others or offering to help them find a suitable therapist.

Check-In

Consistent check-ins show your friends that you care and are thinking about them. Send a simple text, call them, or plan regular meet-ups. It is essential to stay connected and offer your support continuously, not just during crises. Ask them how they are doing and tell them you are always available to talk. Keep in mind that they may not answer. Of course, if this is the case, don’t take it personally.

Respect Boundaries

Comfort levels vary from person to person when discussing their mental health; let them lead the conversation and share at their own pace. Respect your friend’s boundaries and do not push them to share more than they are comfortable with. If they don’t want to talk about specific topics, respect their wishes and try to help in other ways.

Stay Positive

Positive reinforcement can be potent; celebrate even the most minor wins and progress no matter how insignificant they appear. Encourage them and remind them of their strengths. When people struggle with mental health, the voices in their heads are often negative, so complimenting their efforts to improve, acknowledging their resilience, and expressing your belief in their resilience to overcome challenges can be of great help.

Hold Advice

It is natural to want to fix your friend’s problems, but unsolicited advice can sometimes be unhelpful or overwhelming. Instead, focus on being a good listener and offering support, asking if they want advice before providing any. Refrain from making statements like “Just think positively” or “You should try this.” If it was so easy, they would have already done it.

Self-Care

Supporting someone with mental health cases can be emotionally taxing; set boundaries to protect your emotional health. Taking care of your own mental health and well-being is essential, too. Ensure you have your support system and practice self-care; engage in activities that relax and recharge you; and seek support from friends, family, or a counselor if needed.

Inform Others

Sometimes, your friend might not be comfortable educating others about their mental health issues. You can help by gently informing mutual friends or family members to foster a supportive environment. Share general information about mental health and the importance of support without divulging private details about your friend’s condition.

Stay Committed

Your support should not waver over time; continue to be there for your friend through thick and thin. Mental health recovery can be long, and your constant support can make a meaningful difference in your friend’s journey. Your sense of presence can provide a feeling of stability and hope. Many friends forget to check in after a few months. Don’t be among them.

Share Silences

Sometimes, people struggling with mental health would love to have the company of friends but lack the energy to go out. Even spending a night chatting may be too much of an effort for them. If this is the case for your friend, devise a simple plan. For instance, suggest watching a movie you know he loves together. There is no need to talk, no need to go out. It’s all about sharing a moment.

Small Steps

It’s often hard for people who have never struggled with mental health issues to understand those experiencing them. A fundamental thing to remember is that even the smallest tasks may feel like insurmountable mountains for these people. Going outside for groceries may be a massive step for them, so never minimize or belittle their victories, no matter how small.

Don’t Judge

As silly as it sounds, it is fundamental for you to avoid all forms of judgment. Your friend will probably feel embarrassed to admit certain things, such as feeling extremely lonely or not being able to carry out certain daily activities, such as taking care of himself. You need to make sure he never feels judged in your presence so that he can open up with you.

Acknowledge Their Struggles

Minimizing someone’s struggles, even unintentionally, can make them feel invalidated and unsupported. Saying things like “It’s not that bad” or “Just get over it” can worsen their feelings of isolation and helplessness rather than helping them. Instead of downplaying how they feel, acknowledge their experiences by saying things like, “I’m sorry you’re feeling this way” or “That sounds really hard.” Caring phrases like this will show that you take their feelings seriously which is crucial when supporting someone through mental health challenges.

Supporting a friend dealing with mental health issues requires patience, willingness, and empathy to be there for them without judgment. Educating yourself, listening actively, offering practical help, and encouraging professional support can impact your friend’s well-being. Your commitment and understanding can provide the foundation for your friend’s recovery and demonstrate the power of true friendship.