Having little knowledge on mental illness, but knowing someone with one, can be very difficult when trying to understand. Some people see it as having to “tippy toe” around the person or having to “baby” someone who may suffer from a mental illness. Mental illness is not a joke but is very stigmatized. People often used the terms lightly and joke about them as well. However, it is a very serious topic, and we should always be willing to help those suffering around us. Here are a few ways that I feel can help someone with a mental illness. But let me be clear, these are ways to help, not heal.
Be a good listener.
I feel like a lot of people say this, but it is so crucial. When someone who is suffering from a mental illness chooses to open up to you, it shows them a lot of compassion when you choose to listen. It is so helpful because they feel they have someone who understands them and does not feel so alone. Many thoughts are going on in one’s mind that suffers from a mental illness, it eases their minds to know they have someone who is willing to take the time to listen.
Validate their feelings.
The worst thing someone can do is make someone with a mental illness feel like they're making everything up. There is a lot of pain there, and the validation of how they’re feeling and having them know it is going to be OK is super important.
Comfort them.
When I mention “comfort” I mean very many aspects of it. When someone with a mental illness has some sort of an episode whether it ranges from a small panic attack or to a full manic episode, some sort of comfort is very much appreciated. Something that someone once mentioned to me that stood out greatly was grounding techniques. When you feel very disconnected to yourself you always have your breathing to bring you back. Yes, many people view breathing techniques as “cliche” and that they don’t really work, but the way she explained it was incredible. She mentioned that breathing is the one thing we will always have, if we didn’t, we would be dead. It is something that can bring you back to the present. There are many breathing techniques as well, not just the usual inhale and exhale.
Encourage them to experience self-help.
Those who suffer from mental illness should not have to live a life full of pain. Encouraging them to seek out for more professional help is essential in battling inner demons. They cannot do this alone, but they have to choose this path themselves and have to have the will to take the next step. With getting self-help takes hard work and determination to want to get better. It can be exhausting, but the results show. Getting professional help is not a short time experience either, it takes time and can last years depending on the situation. Knowing people who go to therapy personally, I have seen nothing but progress in their term so far. There is this quote that I have once painted on a canvas that I love very much, it is: “You have survived the abuse, you can survive the recovery.” Meaning, no matter what the battle that is going on internally in our minds, we can get through the progress of helping ourselves!
Never be afraid to reach out to someone close to you for help. Whether you just need a friend to talk to or you need help reaching out to a professional, help is always a step away. Always remember that the way you feel inside is valid, and you are never alone. Stay strong and keep fighting, in the end, YOU are in control.
