It can feel overwhelming when a loved one is dealing with mental health issues. Many family members want to help but aren’t always sure what to do or say. You’re not alone, and there are ways you can make a positive difference. Here are some practical tips to support your loved one on their journey to better mental health.

1. Educate Yourself on Mental Health

The first step to helping someone is understanding what they’re going through. Mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, for example, affect millions of people in different ways. Learning more about these conditions can help you understand what your loved one might be experiencing. You don’t need to become an expert. Just knowing the basics can make you feel more prepared to help.

Look for trusted sources, like the National Institute of Mental Health or the Mental Health Foundation, for easy-to-understand information. Try to focus on learning enough to be supportive rather than trying to diagnose or treat the person yourself.

2. Practice Active Listening

When someone shares their struggles with you, they’re usually looking for understanding, not solutions. Listening can be more powerful than you might think.

• Listen without judgment. Don’t interrupt or try to change their mind about how they feel.
• Show empathy. You can say things like, “That sounds really hard,” or “I’m here for you no matter what.”
• Ask open-ended questions. Instead of asking “Are you okay?” try “What’s been on your mind lately?” This lets them express themselves without feeling pressured to give a simple answer.

3. Encourage Professional Support

Sometimes, it’s hard for people to accept that they might need help from a mental health professional, such as a counsellor or therapist. Let them know that therapy isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a tool to help them feel better.

Be supportive, not pushy. Suggest professional help gently, without making them feel like you’re telling them what to do.

Offer to help them find resources. You could look up therapists in their area or help them figure out how to make an appointment if they’re open to it.

Go with them. If they’re nervous, offer to sit in the waiting room or help them with transportation.

4. Create a Calm, Supportive Environment at Home

The atmosphere at home can really impact everything. Creating a calming and supportive environment can be achieved by encouraging routines, maintaining open communication, and steering clear of conflicts whenever you can.

Ideas to Try:

Encourage routines. Routines can make a person feel more stable and grounded. Even simple routines like regular mealtimes or short walks together.

Be patient with changes in behavior. Sometimes, people with mental health struggles may withdraw or seem less interested in things. Remember, it’s okay to let them take their time.

Offer gentle reminders for self-care. Simple acts, such as taking a shower, going for a walk, or doing something relaxing, can help them feel better.

5. Set Boundaries and Take Care of Yourself, Too

Being there for someone you care about who is facing mental health challenges can be really tough on your emotions. It’s important to know that setting boundaries for your mental health is perfectly okay. It is possible to be there for them while also taking care of yourself.

How to Care for Yourself:

Set limits. If you’re feeling drained, it’s okay to step back and take a break. Supporting someone else can be hard work, and you need to recharge, too.

Talk to someone you trust. Sometimes, sharing your feelings with a friend or family member who understands can make a big difference.

Seek your own support. If you’re finding it very hard, consider talking to a counsellor or joining a support group for family members of people with mental health needs. It’s important to feel supported so you can be a better support to them.

Final Thoughts

Supporting a loved one with mental health challenges isn’t always easy, but you’re making a difference just by being there. Take things one day at a time, and don’t feel like you have to have all the answers. Your kindness, patience, and understanding can be some of the best support your loved one will ever have.

And remember, it’s okay to ask for help for yourself, too. There are resources and people out there who can support both you and your loved one.

Further Reading:

The Importance of Community in Mental Health Recovery

Tailored Job Support Aids Mental Health Recovery

How Community Involvement and Social Connections Aid Mental Health Recovery