Do you know someone who is struggling with their mental health? Here are some safe ways to support them and be there for them.
Around 1 in 4 people experience mental health issues so it is likely we will come across friends, colleagues and family members who may be feeling anxious, stressed or low. Here are some top ways to help someone you know who is struggling. This advice was put together by Every Mind Matters, which has lots of great mental health resources for anyone who needs it.
Before you reach out to someone who is struggling with their mental health…
You might be feeling anxious that you might do or say the wrong thing! The tips below will help you to be there for someone you know in the safest way. It’s okay to recognise you might not always be the best person to help. You can still listen, spend time with them, or check in regularly and see how they are.
Express concern and say you are ready to help and support.
Letting someone know you’re worried is a good way to open up a conversation. It shows you care about the person, have time for them and that they do not have to avoid things with you.
Reassure them
The first time someone mentions their worries is a big step. It’s good to recognise this and reassure them. Let them know you’re there to listen when they need to talk.
Offer your time to listen
Listening is an important skill. Ask open questions that start with “how”, “what”, “where” or “when”. This can help people open up. Here are some listening tips from the Samaritans. You can check our tips on active listening, too.
People struggling with their mental health often don’t want to hear a million different clashing kinds of advice, especially if they have been struggling for some time and have already done lots of their own research into ways to improve their situation. You cannot take on their burden and magically fix all their problems yourself, even if you would like to.
Often, one the the MOST important things you can do is listen. Show them that you accept them for who they are. Accept that you can’t really understand everything they are going through, but you are willing to listen so that they don’t feel they are going through it alone.
Sometimes, the person you know will feel more able to take positive steps they have been putting off just through the relief of being able to talk to someone who doesn’t judge them and is willing to let them share how they are feeling.
Act as you usually do together
Do what you usually do. Behaving differently can make someone feel more isolated. Do not be afraid to offer kind words.
Be patient
You will not always know the full story. There may be reasons why they have found it difficult to ask for help. Just being there can be helpful for someone who may want to open up later.
If they do not want support…
Gently explore their reasons for not wanting to get support. If they are unsure whether to get help, just talking and listening without judgement could help work out what’s getting in the way.
Do not force it
Do not force someone to talk to you or get help, and do not go to a doctor on their behalf. This may lead to them feeling uncomfortable, with less power and less able to speak for themselves.
Look after yourself
It can be upsetting to hear someone you care about in distress. Be kind to yourself and take some time to relax or do something you enjoy.
Offer practical help
Little acts of kindness – like offering to do the shopping, looking after children or pets, or offering to go to professional appointments with the person you’re helping – can help. Find out what works for them.
If you are an individual looking for support, you can find mental health resources for you here.
If someone you know needs a bit more help than you can give them…
- You can suggest they talk to their GP or call NHS 111
- They can refer themselves directly for support with their local IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) service
- You can call or recommend these helplines for urgent support.
Republished from Every Mind Matters. First published here
