Supporting Someone Who Is Coping with Poor Mental Health
It may be hard to help a loved one who is afflicted with mental health issues, but it is possibly one of the most compassionate things you can do. Mental illness can strike anyone, and having a good support system can be the difference between a person's recovery and well-being.
Learning how to provide emotional, practical, and social support can make your loved one feel valued, respected, and less isolated.
Identifying the Signs of Mental Health Challenges
It's essential to know the signs of mental health challenges prior to offering help. A few of the signs are:
Depression or constant sadness
Mood changes
- Social withdrawal and social interaction that they used to enjoy
- Inability to concentrate or make decisions
- Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
- Signs of hopelessness or feelings of uselessness
- Greater irritability, anxiety, or excessive worrying
- Substance use as a means of coping
Recognizing these signs in advance can help you provide support in time and assist professional intervention where necessary.
How to Provide Emotional Support
1. Listen Without Judgment
One of the most effective things to do for a person struggling with their mental illness is to listen to them compassionately and non-judgmentally. There are individuals who only need to be heard and to communicate their feelings and thoughts without fear that they are going to be belittled or scolded. Tell them you've got their back and their feelings are important.
2. Validate Their Feelings
Don't downplay their pain with remarks like "just stay positive" or "things could be worse." Instead, acknowledge their hurts by saying something like, "Sorry you're hurt. That doesn't sound easy."
3. Encourage Open Communication
Create a relaxed atmosphere in which your loved one feels free to express his or her emotions and thoughts. Let them know that they do not have to go through this alone and that you are there to speak with them at any time.
4. Be Understanding and Patient
Healing from mental illness takes time. Do not pressure them to "get over it" or "snap out of it." Instead, be patient and provide steady, unwavering support.
Encouraging Professional Help
While emotional support is important, professional therapy through therapists, counselors, or physicians may be needed for long-term healing. Here are the steps through which you can encourage professional help:
1. Normalize Seeking Help
More than anything, people avoid mental health treatment due to stigma. Bust that bulwark by referencing therapy and counseling as good, healthy, normal habits to stay mentally fit.
2. Offer to Help with Research
Getting the proper mental health professional can be daunting. Volunteer to help find therapists, support groups, or helplines. This act can make seeking help less intimidating.
3. Accompany Them to Appointments
If your loved one is having trouble taking the first step, volunteer to make an appointment for them or go with them to their first session if they are comfortable with it.
4. Know When to Intervene
If your loved one talks about suicidal thoughts or is hurting himself, act immediately. Encourage him to call a crisis line or get help immediately.
Providing Practical Assistance
1. Assistance with Household Chores
Mental illness can make the routine tasks appear overwhelming. Assist with household chores, grocery shopping, cooking, or driving.
2. Encouraging Healthy Habits
Encourage good well-being activities, such as exercise, meditation, or a creative hobby. Invite them to take a walk or calm down with you.
3. Remain Consistently Present
Loneliness makes mental illness worse. Regular visits, texts, or phone calls show concern and that you are not forgotten.
Setting Boundaries and Practicing Self-Care
Being a support person to someone with mental illness can be exhausting. To avoid burnout, set healthy boundaries and also seek your own help for your mental health.
1. Know Your Limits
Be aware that you are not responsible for "curing" your loved one of their problems. Your role is to support, not be their therapist.
2. Seek Your Own Support
If you feel stressed, consider talking to a counselor or visiting a support group for caregivers of individuals with mental health conditions.
3. Care for Yourself
Practice self-care that refills your tank. Whether it's reading, exercising, or spending time with other loved ones, taking care of yourself makes you a better support system.
Conclusion
To assist a loved one who is mentally ill requires patience, understanding, and education. By listening without judging, advocating for professional treatment, being a helpful practical presence, and caring for yourself, you can assist your loved one in healing and recovering. Mental illness can be tough, but nobody needs to get through it if the right kind of help is provided.
