How To Help Those Close To You Who Struggle With Their Mental Health
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How To Help Those Close To You Who Struggle With Their Mental Health

Mental health is often not talked about, so you may not know how to help someone close to you who is struggling.

21
How To Help Those Close To You Who Struggle With Their Mental Health
Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash

Mental health is something that is important to me and I have realized needs more attention. I know numerous people who have struggled with their mental health, whether it be depression, anxiety, or trauma-related issues. There is one thing that I have learned from being around those who have struggled with these types of issues: each person and their situation is different and unique to them. Some people need to talk about their situation and vent. Others don't want to talk about it but still want to feel like you are there for them.

One of the biggest things you can do that helps significantly is simply asking, "How can I help you or support you through this?". Sometimes you will get an answer where someone wants to talk about it, and other times people will say they don't want to talk about it and they aren't sure how you can help them. If their answer is the latter, you might simply say something like "That's OK, can I just sit with you?". Or if it's through the phone it could be something like, "do you mind if we stay on the line and talk about something else?". The biggest thing you can do for someone struggling is to make them feel heard and supported.

Letting someone know you are there for them is the first and arguably one of the most important steps to being able to help them.

The next step is to periodically check on them or letting them know you support them. I just recently had a very close friend go through a very challenging time which resulted in having to make some tough decisions. I tend to send her a message at least once every three weeks, sometimes more. All I say in these messages is that I love her and that I am proud of her for doing the hard work to make herself healthier. I always say that I am there for her and am here to support her no matter what. Even though this is a small gesture, sometimes it can go a long way. This little message has the power to bring a little bright spot to someone's day no matter how dark.

As I have made clear in this article, mental health is important and a daily struggle.

Being there for someone can also take a toll on your mental health. Remember to check in with yourself often and if you need help, contact someone. It doesn't have to be a professional, but it could be anyone from a friend, coworker, boss, teacher, family member, or maybe it needs to be a professional like a therapist.

Mental health is so important and you should always take it seriously. Make sure to get the help you or someone you are close with needs.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 1-800-273-8255

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

72219
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

46074
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

976984
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments