Supporting a Loved One Struggling with Mental Health: Tips and Strategies

Mental health is a complex issue affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. The effects of mental health conditions can be devastating for the person suffering and their loved ones.

The population of people with mental health issues is growing. According to Mental Health America, 19.86% of adults are experiencing a mental illness.

If you are supporting someone with a mental health condition, it is essential to learn about mental health as well as treatment options—so that you can better understand what they're going through, how to best assist them, and how to handle the stress of being a caregiver so that you can have a healthy relationship. So here are some tips and strategies for being a great caregiver to someone with mental illness.

Educate yourself about the specific mental health issue

It's important to educate yourself about the specific mental health issue that your loved one is facing so that you can better understand what they are going through and how you can best support them.

Here are some steps you can take to educate yourself:

1. Research the condition: Look up information about the mental health issue your loved one is facing. This could include details on common symptoms, treatment options, and prognosis.
2. Talk to your loved one: Ask your loved one about their experiences with the condition and how it affects them.
3. Talk to a healthcare professional: Consider speaking with a mental health professional or another healthcare provider about the condition. They can provide you with more in-depth information and answer any questions you may have.
4. Join a support group: Consider joining a support group for loved ones of people with the specific mental health issue your loved one is facing. This can be a great way to connect with others who are in similar situations and learn from their experiences.
5. Stay up-to-date: Keep up-to-date on the latest research and resources related to the mental health issue your loved one is facing. This can help you stay informed and be better equipped to support your loved one.

Be understanding and nonjudgmental

Even if it's not something you've experienced firsthand, try to put yourself in their shoes as much as possible. Your support will mean more if you don't make them feel like they're different or somehow "wrong" because of their diagnosis.

Here are some tips for being understanding and nonjudgmental:

1. Avoid making assumptions: It can be easy to jump to conclusions or make assumptions about someone's behavior when they are struggling with mental health issues. Instead, try to approach the situation with an open mind and ask questions to better understand their perspective.
2. Listen without judging: Let your loved one know that you are there to listen without judging them. This can help them feel more comfortable opening up and sharing their thoughts and feelings with you.
3. Validate their feelings: It's important to validate your loved one's feelings and let them know that it's okay to feel the way they do. Avoid dismissing or minimizing their feelings.
4. Be patient: Supporting a loved one with mental health issues can be challenging, and it's important to be patient. It may take time for them to make progress or for their condition to improve.
5. Seek support for yourself: Supporting a loved one with mental health issues can be emotionally and mentally draining. Make sure to prioritize your own self-care and seek support if you need it.

Don't minimize their feelings or concerns

It may be tempting to tell them not to worry so much or to brush off how they're feeling—but this isn't helpful at all! Instead, let them know that whatever they're feeling is valid and normal given what they've been through or what stage they're at in treatment (if applicable). If appropriate, try saying something like, "I can totally understand why you're feeling this way" or "It's completely normal to be feeling this way." Reassure them that everything will be okay. This is especially important if your loved one is going through treatment, as it can help them feel like things aren't as scary or overwhelming as they may seem.

Create a safe and supportive environment

It can be hard for someone with depression or anxiety to ask for help, so it's important for them to feel safe when speaking about their mental illness. You can help create this environment by being respectful and nonjudgmental, offering positive encouragement, and asking open-ended questions rather than yes/no questions.

For example:

"How are you feeling?" instead of "Are you okay?" — This shows them that you're interested in what they have to say and encourages them to keep talking.

Encourage them not to judge themselves — When someone says, "I'm such an idiot," don't say, "Don't say that." Instead, try saying something like, "I'm sorry this happened" or "That must have been difficult." These phrases show that you care about their feelings without criticizing them.

Or you can use these tips to help you respond to someone who is struggling:

1. Set boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries with your loved one to ensure that both of your needs are being met. This might involve setting limits on how much time you are able to devote to supporting them or setting boundaries around certain topics that are off-limits.
2. Respect their privacy: It's important to respect your loved one's privacy and give them space when they need it. This might involve giving them time alone or not sharing their personal information with others without their consent.
3. Create a calm and peaceful space: Try to create a physical environment that is calm and peaceful. This might involve reducing clutter, incorporating calming colours or decorations, or creating a dedicated relaxation area.
4. Encourage open and honest communication: Encourage your loved one to feel comfortable communicating with you about their thoughts and feelings. Let them know that you are there to listen without judgment.
5. Seek support for yourself: It's important to take care of yourself when supporting a loved one with mental health issues. Make sure to prioritize your own self-care and seek support if you need it.

Encourage positive coping mechanisms

Your loved one may have found a way to deal with their depression or anxiety that doesn’t seem healthy. For example, they may have turned to alcohol or drugs as a way to cope with their feelings. Encourage them to try other methods of coping, such as:

1. Encourage relaxation techniques: Encourage your loved one to try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety.
2. Encourage creative expression: Encourage your loved one to express themselves creatively through activities like writing, art, or music. Creative expression can be a powerful way to cope with difficult emotions and can be very therapeutic.
3. Encourage activities that bring joy and purpose: Encourage your loved one to engage in activities that bring them joy and give them a sense of purpose. This might include hobbies, volunteering, or social activities.
4. Encourage healthy habits: Encourage your loved one to engage in healthy habits like getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising. These habits can help improve overall well-being and can be positive coping mechanisms.
5. Encourage seeking professional help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help if they are struggling to cope. This might include therapy, medication, or a combination of both.

It's a wrap

At the end of this blog, we hope that none of our readers will ever find themselves in the difficult position of supporting someone with mental illness, but as you support your loved one by chance on their journey towards mental wellness, remember that you are not alone. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this blog, you are taking an important step towards creating a safe and supportive environment for your loved one. And as you both navigate the ups and downs of mental health, know that it is okay to not have all the answers. What is most important is that you are there for each other, offering love, understanding, and a listening ear. Together, you can work towards creating a brighter future for both of you. And with your support, your loved one can find the strength and courage they need to overcome their mental health struggles and find happiness.