How do I support a loved one with their mental health?
Saturday 10 October is World Mental Health Day and I wanted to share some advice for those of you supporting friends or family struggling with their mental health. Times are challenging at the moment and Coronavirus has taken a massive toll on the mental health of everyone across the UK.
Seeing loved ones struggling with conditions like depression and anxiety can be incredibly difficult but we know that the support of friends and family can be instrumental in helping people seek support, normalise feelings and learn to live with and manage their condition. Here are some key ways to help:
Share and be open
It can be difficult for people to talk about how they are truly feeling. We are used to answering ‘ok’ when asked how are you? It is important to open up conversations about mental health and when we are having difficult days. This allows people to know that talking about and expressing difficult feelings is ok.
Listen
Listening is vital to make people feel less alone and isolated. Sitting with someone and hearing their experience can be powerful. Listen attentively, don’t judge and don’t try to fix things. Sometimes solutions are unnecessary, don't feel you have to provide one.
Everyone’s experience is unique
If you have experienced struggles with your mental health it can be powerful for others to know they are not alone, but don’t assume that your experience will be exactly the same as theirs. Things that helped you might not help them.
Patience
If you've never struggled with your mental health, it can be hard to understand why people can’t 'snap out of it'. Try not to criticise or put pressure on them to get better quickly – it is likely they are being critical and harsh towards themselves already.
Keep in touch
Often people feel low in energy and it can be challenging to reply to messages. Texts or emails sharing that you are thinking of them can make a big difference to help them remember they are not alone. Let them reply to you when they are ready.
Support them to get help
This can be really challenging but you can’t force someone to get help if they are not ready. Make sure your loved one knows that asking for help is not a weakness and that help is there for them when they are ready.
Remember you are important too
Seeing a loved one struggle can have an impact on your wellbeing too. It is important to remember that your mental health is important too. Know where your limits are and seek professional support if needed, remember counselling isn’t just for people in crisis.
For access to immediate support please contact a mental health helpline, MIND, Samaritans or your GP.
If you have questions about counselling contact me.
