February 19, 2022
5 Ways to Support Someone With Mental Health Issues
Mental health has always been an issue in the United States, but between mental health problems developing in COVID-19 patients (up to one in every three) and others struggling from isolation and economic issues stemming from the pandemic as a whole, the issue has really been thrust to the forefront since March 2020.
If someone in your life is going through some issues with mental health, you may be wondering what the best ways are to support them.
Centers Health Care has a look at five of the most helpful ways to give that support.
- Set Aside Time With Them
Provide an open and nonjudgmental space for your friend or family member, and be sure to give them your undivided attention without any distractions. Sometimes, just listening and offering a kind ear is the best thing you can do.
- Let Them Lead the Discussion
Let them talk about as much or as little as they want to talk about—and at their own pace. Putting pressure on them to talk about things they don’t want to discuss can sometimes do more harm than good. The issues they’re talking about may take a lot of trust and courage to say, so go with their flow.
- Be Reassuring
Reassuring and validating their concerns is much more productive than trying to second-guess their feelings or diagnose why they may be feeling that way. You’re there to listen and provide support, not provide mental health services—unless they ask for your opinion, of course.
- Discuss Self-Care
Often times, mental health can improve with simple things like regular exercise, improving your diet, or getting regular sleep. Mention how one of all of these things help you.
- Know Your Limits
While you can listen and offer reassurance, offer your assistance in helping them talk to a family member or find professional help. Let them make the decisions, but offer your support that could lead to a positive outcome.
