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How to Support Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health
When times are hard, everyone can suffer, but people with mental health conditions can be particularly vulnerable. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so it’s a good time to learn how to properly support someone struggling with mental health issues.
As a board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Ifeanyi Olele of Genesis Psychiatric Solutions provides in-person and telepsychiatry appointments to assist those with mental health issues. Here’s what you need to know as a person who loves or knows someone struggling with their mental health.
How to support someone struggling with mental health
Someone who is struggling with their mental health can affect everyone around them. You want to help, but knowing what to do can be incredibly difficult. You need to give support in the right way, and that can differ from person to person.
Understand it’s not their fault
Nobody asks to have a mental illness, and nobody with a mental health condition magically gets better by trying harder. Understanding that is the first step to offering real support, especially if you’re trying to support a friend or loved one with mental health issues.
Find concrete ways to assist them
Many people who struggle with their mental health also struggle with everyday tasks and self care. Stop by and strike up a conversation while doing a quick sinkful of dishes or folding a load of laundry. Nudge them into the shower or cook a meal for them.
Then just let them talk. Listening can be a big help.
Encourage them to seek professional help
You can’t make anyone seek help, but you can make it seem like a positive option and encourage it. If they seem interested, offer to drive them to their appointment or take their child or pet to the park while they have a telepsychiatry appointment.
Talking about mental health
Knowing how to talk appropriately about mental health is critical. Keep these guidelines in mind:
- Don’t use words like “normal” to talk about people without mental illness
- Don’t encourage the person to just think positively
- Don’t encourage someone to refuse or stop taking medication
- Do gently make sure the person you’re talking to isn’t planning self-harm
- Do provide respect and compassion every time you talk to them
- Do recognize that their reality may not be your reality
The goal when talking about mental health is to listen more than you speak and to avoid language that makes the other person feel broken. Ideally, you’ll be a shoulder to lean on as you slowly encourage them to seek professional help.
Don’t try to play psychologist; this can do more harm than good.
If you know someone or have a loved one who is experiencing mental health issues, we’re here to help. Make sure they know they can make an appointment for telehealth and won’t even have to leave their home if they can’t make it into the office.
It’s easy to schedule a consultation with Dr. Olele; just call the closest location or request an appointment online. We have offices in Alexandria and Fairfax, Virginia, and Washington, DC. Dr. Olele can also deliver services via telemedicine.
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