If you are living with someone who has a mental illness, or if you believe that someone close to you could be struggling, you likely want to support them. Here are tips for supporting someone with a mental illness:
Do: Take Time to Listen – Supporting Someone with a Mental Illness
Let the person in question know that they are not facing this battle alone. Tell them that they have your unconditional love and that they will always have your support. Empathy can be communicated across your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. Those who have an illness, won’t be searching for someone who feels the same way that they do. They will be looking for someone who understands the way that they feel. If you can be that person for them then this will benefit you in the long run.
Don’t: Make Comments
Although sometimes, you may think your comments are helpful, they probably aren’t. Comments such as “You’re okay” or “Just stay busy” are not helpful and they can make someone feel criticized. They have a serious condition, so don’t let them feel as though they are being brushed off. Try your best to make them feel comfortable and also help them to feel secure when sharing information. If you can do this, you can give them the support they are looking for.
Do: Ask Questions
Asking questions is always a good thing to do. Don’t be afraid to do it. Your friend or loved one probably won’t expect you to understand how they feel already. Ask them about their symptoms in a respectful way and talk to them about how they are feeling. They might not want to give you all the answers but that is fine. They will know you care because you took time out of your day to ask.
Don’t: Say you Know How They Feel
Don’t say to someone that you know how they feel if you don’t. While you may go through bouts of sadness from time to time, you need to refrain from comparing your feelings to the situation that they are in right now. Sure, it’s nice to have someone to relate to, but if you draw comparisons and make them feel as though their situation isn’t so bad, then this will impact them negatively.
Do: Ask them to Seek Help – Supporting Someone with a Mental Illness
Enquire to see if the person in question is receiving the right care. If you suspect that they aren’t then try and take the time to get them the help they need. They may say no to getting help and they might even get angry with you. If this is the case then remind them that mental health problems are often treatable and that they don’t have to feel this way forever. You can even offer to make some tax credit donations to a worthy cause that relates to their condition, as this will help them to feel heard and understood. Little things like this can make all the difference to their mental health.
