How should you help a friend struggling with mental health?
Mental health has been an area that is often talked about less but has many of us struggling with it. It goes without saying that there is a lot of stigmas attached to it. There is not enough awareness amongst us about mental health concerns. On average, almost 280 million people in the world have depression and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and so they deal with suicidal thoughts. We all go through tough times, deal with difficult situations but people can help us get through it. So, wouldn’t it be good to help a friend in dealing with bad mental health days?
It is still a taboo topic but if you see a friend of yours struggling with it, would you still not talk about it? With awareness and the right education, we can learn more about mental health, how to respond if a friend is struggling and what we can do to help.
Only we can be there for each other so, here are some ways you can be there for your friend.
Educate yourself about how to help a friend with mental health
Before any other thing, we need to know what the person is dealing with. Mental health struggles can be deep-seated and bigger than what we see on the outside. We must be aware of it, for example, some might face depression and some face PTSD and, many people get confused between the two. They assume it to be the same, however, they are actually very different. Similarly, there are many issues that can be mistaken for something else, and only the right knowledge can help us understand the best way to respond.
Listen to what your friend has to say
People who deal with anxiety and depression or other mental health conditions are in a constant dilemma. They may or may not want to talk about what they are going through, but let them know that you are there. When they do talk to someone it means that they trust them. Let them know that you are listening to them, nod along and make them feel validated. Ask them questions like, “what’s going on?” or “how have they been?” and let them respond. Make them feel acknowledged. Just let them know that someone is there and even when you don’t relate to them just try to comfort them.
Suggest therapy and therapeutic activities
Be on the lookout for their activities as it says a lot about their mental health. People who suffer from mental illness tend to lose interest in things. It is an illness associated with the mind but it also affects physical health such as fluctuating sleeping patterns, eating patterns, tiredness etc. So, if they are up for it, some activities like the following can help:
- Meditation
- Walking
- Reading, cooking, painting journaling
And if they seem to be in need of professional help, guide them to the right places, offer to go with them whenever they are ready.
Keep checking on them
We should try and keep a check on people suffering from mental illness because they already might be feeling a myriad of emotions and may hesitate to reach out of guilt or the belief that nobody may get them. Call them once in a while, text them and listen to what they have to say. Keep them company and remind them that they have someone to talk to.
Talk about self-care
Self-care is very important, even for people who don’t suffer from mental health issues. Talk to them about ways of de-stressing or practising self-care and ask if they find anything helpful. Exercising, having a healthy diet and getting a good night’s sleep can help protect mental health and sustain wellbeing. Suggest ways to self-care, and help them find beauty in ordinary things.
Do not compare their struggle with others
Everyone’s struggles are different and it needs to be known that many times we confuse it or worse, compare it with the struggles of others. We should acknowledge everyone’s struggles and never think of one’s lesser than the other. Do not try to fix it or say toxic positive words like, “just stop thinking about it” or “others have it worse”. Try and be there, even if it is just by validating them.
Mental health is a vast topic that covers more than we know. But one thing is for sure and that is everyone needs empathy and kindness. People can be there for each other. Kindness is humanity and a lifestyle that can reduce the stigma around mental health.
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Disclaimer: Views expressed in this post are personal and for reading purposes only. They’re not medical advice. Each individual’s experience may vary. Please consult a professional if you need help.
