How to Support Someone Who is Struggling with Mental Health

Watching someone you really care about struggle with mental health can be very challenging and difficult. One can often feel hopeless or stuck by not knowing when or what actions to take. You may also have the fear of whether you should even step in or say something at all. As awkward as it may feel at times, showing your support can be monumental to the person experiencing the hardship.

Here are a few things you can do to support someone who is struggling with mental health:

Reach out

Mental illness can be very isolating; so make yourself available. It can be validating for the individual to know they are seen and that you still want to be around them. Use “I” statements about behaviors you have noticed and feel might be unhealthy or dangerous.

Listen 

Be an active listener. Avoid turning the conversation onto something about you or your experience and let them express their emotions. Avoid providing simple solutions such as “just eat” as they are not helpful.

Remind Them You Care

Conversations about mental illness can be difficult to hear coming from someone you love. Remind them that you are reaching out because they are important to you and that you love them. Reassure them that you are a safe space in which they can open up.

Encourage Them to Seek Professional Help

Many mental illnesses require the aid of treatment programs or teams to achieve full recovery. Teams can involve some combination of therapists, psychiatrists, coaches, and/or support groups.

Invite Them

Include them in an activity or outing even if you know they might decline. This can include simple tasks such as grabbing a quick coffee or much larger like an evening with friends. Including them will help remind them that they are still important and valued and potentially present an opportunity for conversation.

Offer Help

When you’re not in a good headspace it can be difficult to keep up with everyday chores like dishes or laundry. Offer to help around the house or assist in errands like grocery shopping. Your assistance and company can make things seem a little more manageable.

Educate Yourself

Read books or articles from reputable resources to better understand what they might be experiencing. This can be beneficial to recognizing warning signs or providing support.

Offer Your Company and Support

If you have time, offer to come along to any appointments if they don’t want to go alone. Or help seek resources that can assist in them achieving recovery. 

Take Care of Yourself First

You cannot pour from an empty cup. As much as you may want to help or be available, you must be sure that you are capable of doing so. Don’t put yourself in harm’s way or wear yourself too thin. Besides, taking care of yourself first can set a good example and encourage others to do so too.

Show Up

Show up again and again, even if you are denied or turned down. Don’t give up. Sometimes that person just isn’t quite ready to receive or look for the help they need yet. By showing up consistently, you are creating a safe space of stability. When they are ready, they will be lucky to have someone as trustworthy as you to lean on or turn to.

Ultimately it is up to the individual to follow through with healing. But your continuous support can help get them there, feel less isolated, validate their emotions, and create a safe space. Remember that I love you, and you should love you too!

If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others, get immediate assistance by calling 911. If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Head to the Resources Page for more information on mental health and sources that can help you or a loved one.