According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 8 adults have or will experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. Challenges like this can make anyone feel incredibly isolated. It’s important to understand how best to support others who may be struggling and to help them feel less alone. Today, we discuss when and how to help a friend who may be having a difficult time.
How to Help a Friend Who Has Mental Health Issues
In the same way it can be hard to reach out and ask for help, it can be difficult to know when to extend a hand to others. We all want to help but we also want to be careful not to offend. Fortunately, there are steps that we can take determine if our help is necessary and desired as well as strategies we can use to support a friend with mental health issues.
Where to Begin to Help Comfort a Friend with Mental Health Issues
The first step towards helping support a friend or loved one going through a tough time is creating an open dialogue that includes honest conversation.
Set aside some time to meet privately and ask them how they are doing. When possible, don’t let them simply say that they are okay and move on – try to find ways to initiate further conversation without making them feel uncomfortable.
For example, you could start by talking candidly about your own mental health, as doing so may encourage others to open up.
Encourage Professional Help If It Feels Warranted
When a friend begins to open up, you may begin to think that they need more support than you are able to offer. For example, while you may always be willing to listen and offer advice, it could be that they need the guidance of healthcare professionals.
In these instances, help by connecting them to the right services. For example, if they are struggling with their relationship with food, then you may want to research local eating disorder treatment facilities.
Encourage Activities Outside the House
Many of those who are going through mental health issues will withdraw from social activities. As a result, they may spend more time indoors than ever before.
One way to show up for them is by encouraging them to do other things. For example, you could invite them to join you on a daily walk, a tactic often described as a great way to break the spell.
Be Available to Friends with Mental Health Issues
There are many reasons why a friend may not feel comfortable talking about how they are feeling.
It’s important that you do not forcefully push them to do so before they are ready, while at the same time, encouraging future conversations.
For example, you can make it clear that you’re always there should they need you and that they can call at any time of day or night.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
During this time, you may tend to put your friend’s needs before your own.
After all, they are in a vulnerable position.
However, you must also ensure that you are taking good care of your own mental health and wellness too.
As you care for others, keep your own wellness a priority, and take time for the activities that bring you joy and comfort.
Thank you as always for reading.
If you haven’t yet subscribed, please visit KindCompassCoach and enter your email address so you never miss a post.
As Amazon Associates, we may receive a small commission (at no cost to you) for items purchased through links in this post.
Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Joan’s career includes clinical healthcare plus 20+ years as an executive in a nationwide health care system and 15 years as a consultant. The common threads throughout Joan’s personal and professional life are a commitment to non-profit organizations, mental health, compassionate coaching, professional development and servant leadership. Joan has had the privilege of mentoring early and mid-career professionals as well as current and future executives and leaders. She is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is also a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me. You can read more about Joan here: Joan Senio.
No Responses