10 Ways to support someone with a mental health

Moe | Scarlet Plus
Dec 9, 2023
7 min read

Life's challenging moments often require support from those around us. Similarly, we sometimes find ourselves concerned about the mental well-being of our friends, family, or coworkers. Regardless of our relationship with these individuals, there are numerous ways we can offer meaningful support to those we care about.

How do I know if someone has a mental health problem?

Ever found yourself wondering, "Is my friend going through a rough patch, or is it something more?" Spotting mental health issues isn't always straightforward. Sure, sometimes the signs are clear as day, but it's not like everyone comes with a handy mental health indicator. And hey, sometimes it's not even about slapping a label on it. What really counts is being there for someone who's having a tough time, diagnosis or no diagnosis.

Here's the thing: mental health issues can be as unique as the people facing them. Even with common symptoms, everyone copes differently. Say you've known someone for ages; you might start noticing they're acting off or their mood's swung a different direction. That could be a hint, but remember, it's not your job to play detective. Just being a solid, understanding friend can make a world of difference.

How can I help?

There are many ways you can help a friend, relative or colleague who has a mental health problem here are 10 Ways to Support a Loved One with Mental Illness

1- Listen Without Judgment:

Craft a Comfy Zone: Ensure they feel relaxed and safe to share their thoughts.
Really Hear Them: Focus entirely on what they're saying, without interruptions or rushing to solutions.
Recognize Their Emotions: Show you understand and respect their feelings.
Keep Judgments at Bay: Avoid making them feel judged or minimized.
Be Their Cheerleader: Use supportive phrases like "I've got your back" to demonstrate your support.
Promote Honesty: Encourage them to express their emotions freely, with the assurance of a judgment-free space.

2- Educate Yourself:

Dive into Research: Look into trustworthy sources for a better grasp of their mental health condition, symptoms, and potential treatments.
Learn from the Pros: Keep up with mental health experts, read relevant books, or join seminars for a deeper understanding.
Acknowledge Their Struggles: Be aware of the particular challenges and emotional turmoil linked to their condition.
Stay on the Pulse: With mental health insights constantly evolving, keep yourself updated on the latest research and therapeutic approaches.
Choose Empathy Over Sympathy: Strive to genuinely understand their situation rather than just pitying them.
Bust the Myths: Stay alert to common myths and stereotypes surrounding mental illness to avoid perpetuating them.
Listen to Their Story: Have conversations with your loved one to learn about their individual experiences and needs.

3- Encourage Professional Help:

Highlight the Upsides: Chat about how seeking professional help can offer effective coping techniques and treatment options.
Joint Research Effort: Propose to assist in finding the right therapists, psychiatrists, or support groups together.
Reframe Therapy: Position therapy as a standard, positive move, not a sign of frailty.
Be Their Appointment Buddy: Suggest accompanying them to appointments for moral support, but only if they're okay with it.
Honor Their Timing: Be understanding if they're not ready to seek help and avoid pressuring them.
Lend a Hand with the Details: Offer help with the nitty-gritty, like setting up appointments or navigating insurance matters.
Share Inspiring Stories: Share encouraging experiences of others who've benefited from professional mental health care.

4- Be Patient:

Recognize the Journey of Healing: Accept that recovering from a mental illness typically involves a gradual process with its fair share of highs and lows.
Ease Off the Accelerator: Avoid nudging them to speed up their recovery. Healing takes its own time.
Stay Steady with Support: Maintain your support consistently, even when progress appears to be sluggish.
Celebrate the Little Wins: Take time to recognize and cheer on even the smallest steps forward.
Keep Your Expectations in Check: Adjust your expectations to stay patient and avoid feeling let down by the pace of progress.
Keep the Encouragement Flowing: Frequently reassure them of your unwavering support, regardless of how long the journey takes.

5- Maintain Open Communication:

Start the Chat: Initiate gentle conversations about how they're feeling and what they're going through.
Be Open for Talks: Show them that they can come to you for a chat whenever they need.
Watch the Unspoken: Keep an eye on their body language and other non-verbal signals.
Encourage Emotional Expression: Assure them it's totally fine to share all kinds of emotions, good or bad.
Skip the Brush-offs: Avoid saying things that could make their feelings seem unimportant.
Make Time for Regular Check-Ins: Regularly touching base shows you truly care.
Honor Their Space: If they're not up for talking, respect that, but let them know you're there when they're ready.
Use 'I' Statements: Keep things non-confrontational by using 'I' statements, especially with touchy subjects.
Keep It Judgment-Free: Make sure they know your talks are a safe space free from judgment.
Stay Tuned to Their Comfort Zone: Be mindful of topics they might not want to dive into.
Validate Their Feelings: Recognize and affirm that their emotions and experiences are valid.

6- Help With Everyday Tasks:

Propose Concrete Assistance: Rather than a vague "let me know if you need anything," offer to help with specific chores like doing their grocery shopping or laundry.
Acknowledge Their Boundaries: Identify the tasks they find too much and offer your support in these areas.
Help Build a Supportive Routine: Assist in creating a daily routine that simplifies their tasks and makes them more doable.
Foster Their Independence: Find the right balance between helping out and encouraging them to manage the tasks they feel capable of handling on their own.
Plan Together: Collaboratively organize and schedule tasks, ensuring they feel involved and maintain a sense of autonomy.

7- Promote a Healthy Lifestyle:

Boost Physical Activity: Encourage them to engage in regular exercise, which can uplift mood and alleviate anxiety.
Nudge Towards Nutritious Eating: Assist them in focusing on a nutrient-rich diet, which can positively influence mental health.
Champion Consistent Sleep Habits: Advocate for a regular sleeping routine, considering its significant impact on mental well-being.
Moderate Alcohol and Caffeine Intake: Talk about how substances like alcohol and caffeine can affect mental health.
Introduce Mindfulness and Relaxation: Suggest practices such as meditation or yoga to help reduce stress and enhance mental health.
Cultivate a Wholesome Living Space: Help create an environment conducive to both mental and physical health, like organizing their space or adding plants for a calming effect.

8- Establish Boundaries:

Express Your Boundaries: Make it clear what kind of support you can offer and what your limits are.
Prioritize Your Well-being: Recognize and put your own mental and emotional health first.
Define Your Time Availability: Decide and communicate the amount of time you're able to commit to helping them.
Guard Your Emotional Health: Take care to not absorb their emotional struggles as your own.
Ensure Mutual Respect: Make sure there's a two-way street of respect; they should honor your boundaries just as you honor their needs.
Stay Firm with Boundaries: Regularly uphold these boundaries to prevent any confusion or misinterpretation.

9- Join a Support Group:

Connect Through Shared Experiences: Engage with others facing similar situations for a sense of mutual understanding and support.
Discover Coping Tactics: Learn about new ways to cope and helpful resources from fellow group members.
Receive Emotional Backing: Find emotional support among people who genuinely comprehend the intricacies of supporting someone with mental health issues.
Combat Loneliness: Feel more connected and less alone in your journey, creating a sense of community.
Enjoy a Safe, Private Space: Take advantage of a confidential environment to freely express your own feelings and challenges.

10- Show Unconditional Love and Support:

Express Affirmation: Consistently reassure them of your love and commitment, no matter what their mental health status is.
Maintain a Non-Judgmental Approach: Demonstrate that your support is unwavering, not dependent on their health or actions.
Support During Tough Times: Remain steadfastly by their side, especially through challenging moments or setbacks in their mental health journey.
Celebrate Their Uniqueness: Recognize and value them for who they are, beyond their mental health issues.
Offer Physical Companionship: Sometimes, just being there physically can be a profound source of support.
Provide Reassurance: Continually remind them that their mental health condition doesn't alter your feelings towards them.

Remember, your support can be a crucial part of their journey towards recovery.

How do I look after myself while caring for someone with a mental health?

Caring for someone with a mental illness can be challenging. It can increase the risk of you developing a mental health condition, as well. Looking after your own physical and emotional needs will allow you to keep caring for your loved one throughout their illness and recovery.

It’s normal to experience a range of emotions when caring for someone with a mental illness. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your feelings and the effect of your loved one’s illness on your own life.

Consider sharing your feelings with a friend or family member, or seeing a counsellor or psychologist. Some people find it helpful to join a support group for careers of people with a mental illness.

It’s important to look after your own needs. Try to get enough sleep, follow a balanced diet and maintain your own interests.

If your loved one needs a lot of support, you may need to plan a break. Arranging respite care can help you focus on your own physical and emotional needs while knowing that the person is being well cared for.

How do I respond in a crisis?

When someone with a mental health issue faces a crisis, like feeling suicidal or losing touch with reality, it's crucial to know how to react.

Stay Calm: Even if you feel panicked, maintaining calm is key.
Listen Without Judgment: Focus on their immediate needs and listen empathetically without forming judgments.
Find Out What They Need: Directly ask how you can assist them in that moment.
Offer Reassurance and Information: Provide comforting words and guide them to practical resources or information.
Avoid Confrontation: Stay away from any form of argument or confrontation.
Contact Someone They Trust: Ask if there's anyone they'd like you to reach out to.
Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest they seek professional assistance.
Address Physical Injuries: If they've injured themselves, ensure they receive the necessary first aid.

If they're experiencing hallucinations or delusions, it's important to handle it sensitively:

Gently Identify Yourself: Remind them of who you are and why you're there.
Don't Challenge or Validate Hallucinations: Avoid agreeing with or denying their experiences instead, acknowledge how these symptoms are affecting them emotionally.

Key facts

Caring for someone with a mental illness can be challenging and it’s OK to feel a range of emotions.
Looking after yourself will help you to stay well and better care for the person with mental illness.
Learning about your loved one’s mental health condition can help you support them.
A mental health safety plan may help you and your loved one know what to do in a crisis.