Written by Guest Blogger: Halley Jones
How to Help Someone with Mental Illness
Struggling with mental illness can be challenging for the person experiencing it and their loved ones. It is tough to figure out how to help a loved one who is struggling with a mental health condition. It is hard to understand what they are going through if you have never experienced it for yourself. The good news is that there are ways to provide support while being a source of safety and strength for your loved one during this challenging time.
Learning how to support a loved one suffering from mental illness takes knowledge, patience, and compassion.
Understand the Illness
The first step in supporting a loved one with a mental illness is to understand the condition they are dealing with. Each mental illness is unique and requires a specific approach. Research the particular illness your loved one has been diagnosed with and learn about its symptoms, causes, and treatments. Different mental illnesses have different symptoms, causes, and treatments, so it’s essential to understand the specific condition your loved one is dealing with.
Some of the most common mental issues that someone may deal with are depression and anxiety.
Depression
Depression is a mental disorder that inhibits one’s mood. There are various types of depression from seasonal affective disorder to clinical depression. This brings about feelings of hopelessness, loss of interest in activities your loved one usually enjoys, a decrease in energy, and changes in appetite.
Learning how become more mindful and present can help bring about happiness and overcome the cloud of depression.
Anxiety
Anxiety is also very common and can vary in severity from mild to severe. General Anxiety Disorder is very debilitating as it involves feelings of excess worry surrounding everyday tasks, even ones that seem inconsequential. Social Anxiety Disorder is anxiety involving social situations which can inhibit a person’s ability to perform at work and school or make meaningful relationships. No matter what type of anxiety disorder your loved one may suffer from, it can be very difficult to focus on what is happening at the moment.
Learn more about different types of anxiety disorders, like panic attacks, social anxiety, relationship anxiety, and health anxiety / hypochondria.
How to Help Someone with Mental Illness
#1 Listen and Validate
One of the most important things you can do to support a loved one with a mental illness is to listen and validate their feelings. It can be difficult for someone with a mental illness to express their feelings, so be patient and understanding.
It’s important to remember that mental illnesses are not the person’s fault and that they are not something that can be easily controlled or fixed. Acknowledge the difficulties they are facing and offer your support.
#2 Help Them Find Professional Help
Oftentimes a person struggling with a mental illness will need help from a licensed mental health worker. These conditions are difficult to navigate and not something you can take up yourself. If your loved one is not already seeing a professional that specializes in their condition, you should help them search for their options. You can either find licensed practitioners in your area by having them contact their health insurance to see who is covered or by searching Psychology Today.
Learn more about how to get someone evaluated for mental illness.
#3 Be Patient and Help Them Stick to a Plan
Recovery from a mental illness can take time and it can be a difficult process. Be patient with your loved one and remind them that they are not alone. Remember that they didn’t choose to have this illness and they are doing the best they can. Be supportive and encouraging, but also be understanding if they have setbacks or if progress is slow.
Most patients will have a game plan written with their therapist on their goals for their treatment. Help them achieve these goals whether it is improving their diet and exercising, or taking their medication daily.
#4 Keep Communication Open
Open and honest communication is key when supporting a loved one with a mental illness. Show you are actively listening and let them know that you are there for them. Encourage them to share their feelings and be open about their struggles.
#5 Know When to Step Back
While it’s important to support your loved one, it’s also important to know when to step back and let them handle things on their own. Remember that they are responsible for their recovery and that it’s ultimately up to them to get better. Be there for them but maintain boundaries for yourself. You should be there to support your loved ones, but remember to also take care of yourself. Self-care is also an important aspect of helping someone else in need.
When Someone You Love Has a Mental Illness
Supporting a loved one with a mental illness requires patience, understanding, and a willingness to help. By educating yourself about the specific illness, listening and validating your loved one’s feelings, encouraging treatment, taking care of yourself, and keeping communication open, you can help your loved one navigate this difficult time and work towards recovery.
Writer Bio
Hi, my name is Halley Jones. I’m a freelance content writer and guest author with a passion for crafting engaging and informative articles on a variety of topics. With over 5 years of experience in the industry, I have a strong understanding of SEO best practices and know how to create content that resonates with readers. In my spare time, you can find me hiking, trying out new recipes in the kitchen, or curled up with a good book.