How To Support Someone With Their Mental Health

It’s hard to know if someone is struggling with mental health on the outside. There are people who can hide their struggle without anyone ever questioning them.  They look happy and healthy on the outside, so of course it is normal for no one to ever question it. Here is how to support someone with their mental health.

Within the last two years I think we have all struggled at some point when it comes to our mental health. Covid-19 was a huge turning point for most of the world that no one ever expected.

Mental Health looks different for everyone. You will never be able to identify someone who is struggling with their mental health by just looking at their face. Even if you spend time talking to them, you still may never know the battles they are facing. If you have someone who has been open and honest with you about their mental health struggles, it is important to understand that they are reaching out to you for a reason.

It is important to remember that people cope with their mental health in very different ways. If you know of someone who is struggling with their mental health, here are some ways to support them. Trust me when I say, although these tips may seem small, these can really help turn someone’s mood around. Even if it’s only temporarily.

Communication

If this is someone you have a relationship with – whether it’s a best friend, a relative, a spouse, or a co-worker, understand that there is a level of trust in your relationship. They have confided in you for a reason. Even if you may not have the closest relationship, it is important to communicate with them. Let them know you are there for them, for whatever they need. But also remember to not be pushy, as not everyone will appreciate your constant communication with them. As for myself, communication can be very difficult for me. It can get even worse when I am struggling with my mental health. It is helpful for me to know that my friends/family/husband are there for me when I am ready to communicate. 

Be patient & not pushy

It took a long time for me to admit that I was struggling with my mental health. It took an even longer time for me to open up to my friends and family about it. If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, it is important to not be pushy. Don’t be pushy and tell them to talk about it, because they might not be ready for it. Avoid pressuring them into something they aren’t ready to do (i.e. support groups, therapy, counseling, communication, etc.). If and when someone is ready, they will talk. But of course if you are noticing red flags and warning signs, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible.

*It is important to understand that there might be another person that provides more comfort and support than you. And THAT’S OKAY. Don’t be angry with them. Be proud that they are able to identify that they are struggling and that they are doing what they need to be doing in order to be better. This doesn’t mean that you aren’t saying or doing the right things, so continue to offer encouragement and support, but understand that you may not be what they need at that moment. Eventually they will come to you and talk about their problems, you just might not be the right person yet.*

Learn about their triggers

Over the past year I have become such a huge advocate for mental health and going to therapy. Therapy was where I learned about my triggers. Sometimes someone’s triggers are not easily identified, even by the person who is struggling. They might not know their triggers until they are able to talk about their problems with a therapist. If you are able to learn about someone’s triggers, you will be so much more prepared to help them when that time comes around.

Understand that everyone is different

People deal with their mental health in so many different ways. Just because you may know someone who is going to therapy for their mental health doesn’t mean it’s going to work for everyone.

Everyone is different. 

Mental Health is not one size fits all. It is important to always remember that being supportive, offering help and communicating with someone may be the best thing you can do at the time. Be patient with them and offer encouragement. Sometimes sitting in silence and giving them a hug is the best relief they need. 

If you or someone you know is looking for a therapist, I recommend checking out PsychologyToday.
Check out some of my other mental health related blog posts here.