What It Really Means To Support A Friend Through The Low Points Of Their Mental Health

7 OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP SOMEONE WHO’S GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME OR STRUGGLING WITH A MENTAL HEALTH CONDITION

How do you help a friend that’s going through something that you’ve never experienced before?

At first you might think it’s hard to relate to them. But think of it this way: We’ve all experienced struggles and hardships before, and we know how powerful it is to be supported by friends and family.

You have a lot of power here, and your support – even just a little bit – could make a huge difference in their life.

No matter what their mental health struggle is, the steps you can take to support them are actually pretty similar across the board. Here are a few opportunities to support someone through a tough time.

Truly listen

If someone decides to talk to you about what they’re going through, you may feel like you’re unqualified or not sure how to respond. But they’re sharing with you because you make them feel safe in some way — and that’s really meaningful! Make sure you’re actively listening with compassion and empathy so they can start to feel more understood and hopeful. Check out our article Listen Up for a few ways that you can listen effectively and respond with compassion, and you don’t need a psychology degree to do it.

Show some gratitude

Obviously you choose to have this person in your life for a reason. Let them know what that reason is! Tell them how much you love them and how grateful you are for them. You might assume they already know how much they mean to you, but if they’re experiencing a mental health condition, their brain may be convincing them otherwise. Take the time to remind them how special they are to you.

Be present

When you’re hanging out with them, really spend time with them! Try not to be distracted by your phone or anything else when you’re together. You don’t need to constantly be talking or doing something, just let them know that you’re fully there for them by showing it. That can bring such a feeling of safety and security to someone you love when it’s really needed.

Empower them

When we’re going through a hard time with our mental health, our brains have a strange way of convincing us that we can’t accomplish anything — especially the little things. Sometimes, all a friend needs is to be reminded that they have amazing strengths and have already done incredible things. By saying “wow, I’m so proud of you for doing that,” you can empower them to make it through the struggles they’re facing.

Offer acceptance

Let’s say that someone you love just found out about a life-changing mental health condition, they may be concerned about what people will think. It’s important to let them know that you love and accept them no matter what.

Help with small things

When you’re struggling with your mental health, small things can really add up and become overwhelming. One of the most helpful things you can do for a friend is give them a hand with smaller tasks. Help out by making their bed, starting some laundry, or ordering dinner for them. It doesn’t have to be huge to be incredibly helpful and meaningful.

Ask them

It’s easy to want to take on all of someone else’s healing as your responsibility. But at the end of the day, it’s their journey — not yours. Instead of just anticipating or assuming everything, make sure you ask them how you can best support them.