How to Support a Loved One Struggling With Mental Illness
When someone you love is diagnosed with a mental illness, it can be hard to know how to be there for them and support them. You might start distancing yourself from them because you assume they need space or start drawing too close to them and stepping over boundaries because you assume they need extra love.
Your role as a friend or family member to someone struggling with a mental illness is critical. You might be one of the only people caring for them during this hardship.
Relationships are extra powerful when someone is in a vulnerable place. If you are wondering how to best be there for your loved one, here are some tips below:
Avoid stigmatizing theM.
Everyone’s experiences with mental illnesses like anxiety and depression are unique and do not fit one specific mold. Remind your loved one that you do not see them differently because of their mental illness. You can encourage them that having a mental illness is not something to be ashamed of.
Ask questions and listen genuinely.
Sometimes, all a person needs is someone to talk to about how they are truly feeling. Asking questions shows the other person that you care about what they are going through. Empathetic listening is just as important, as it fosters deeper connection and builds trust in the relationship. Remind your loved one that they are not a burden and that it is a joy to support them on this journey.
Do fun activities together.
Everyone can benefit from a laugh and a day doing something adventurous! It can be exhausting to always have deep conversations and process heavy emotions, so sometimes the best thing you can do is take your loved one on a hike or plan a tourist day in a nearby town. Distractions and quality time can lighten the mood and put joy in anyone’s day.
Be patient.
Remember that healing takes time and is not immediate. Maybe your loved one needs space, and that is okay. Recognize their needs and acknowledge that you are there if they need support but are willing to give them space and time to heal if that is what they desire. Don’t pressure them into confiding in you or doing anything that might hinder the process of healing.
Connect them to resources.
You cannot be the only means of support in your loved one’s life. There are many resources out there to help people with mental illness, and it is important to be educated about them. You can encourage your loved one to reach out to a mental health hotline, find a trusted therapist, or connect with support groups who can relate to them on their journey.
Resources:
If you need immediate assistance, please contact 911, the King County Crisis Line at (206) 461-3222, or text START to 741741.
Suicide hotline: 988
Looking for a mental health counselor? Email us at: info@novolifecounseling.com or book online here.
For additional resources, visit Novo Life’s resources page.