Take Action Today: How to Help a Friend or Family Member Struggling with Mental Health Issues

Mental health is just as important as physical health. If someone you love is struggling with mental health issues, it's important to offer your support and be there for them. Here are ten things you can do to help support your loved one:

1. Educate Yourself

Learn about your loved one's mental health condition and how it affects them. This can help you understand their experiences and how to best support them.

2. Listen

One of the most important things you can do to support your loved one is to simply listen to them. Listen to their thoughts and feelings without judgement or interruption. Let them know that you are there for them and that you care about their well-being. This can help your loved one feel heard and understood.

3. Offer Help

Offer to help your loved one in any way you can. This could mean helping them find a mental health professional, driving them to appointments, or even just doing small tasks for them. Let your loved one know that you are willing to support them in any way they need.

4. Encourage Self-Care

Encourage your loved one to practice self-care. This can include things like getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating well. You can even offer to do self-care activities with them.

5. Be Patient

Recovery from mental health issues can be a long process. It's important to be patient and understanding with your loved one. Encourage them to take things at their own pace and offer your support along the way.

6. Avoid Stigmatizing Language

Be mindful of the language you use when talking about mental health. Avoid stigmatizing language and instead use neutral or positive language.

7. Check In Regularly

Check in with your loved one regularly to see how they're doing. Let them know that you are thinking of them and that you are there to support them.

8. Create a Safe Space

Create a safe space for your loved one to talk about their mental health. Let them know that they can talk to you about anything and that you won't judge them.

9. Be an Advocate

Advocate for your loved one's mental health needs. This could mean advocating for better mental health resources in your community or advocating for your loved one's needs in their workplace or school.

10. Practice Self-Care

Supporting a loved one with mental health issues can be emotionally taxing. It's important to take care of yourself as well. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking time for yourself. Consider talking to a mental health professional or joining a support group to help you cope with any stress or emotions you may be experiencing.

Remember that it's important to be patient and understanding when supporting someone with mental health issues. With your support, however, your loved one can find the help and healing they need.

Thank you for reading. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you would like to speak with someone about SHIFTing your mental health journey.

By: Dodrie Escoffery, Associate therapist, SHIFT Your Journey Mental Health Counseling