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HELP SOMEONE WITH THEIR MENTAL HEALTH

Many people experiencing mental health struggles will turn to friends or family before reaching out to a professional. The support you offer can be invaluable in helping them take the first steps toward getting help. You don’t need to have special training—just being there, listening, and offering small acts of kindness can make a difference. If you feel unsure about what to do, many online mental health resources, including this one, can guide you.

1. Providing Emotional Support

When someone shares that they’re struggling, it’s natural to feel unsure about what to say or do. The most important thing is to make them feel heard, understood, and supported.

  • Listen without judgment – Let them express their feelings freely. Instead of offering immediate solutions, focus on being present. If they struggle to open up, reassure them that you’re there whenever they’re ready. Simple phrases like, "I’m here for you," or "You don’t have to go through this alone," can be comforting.

  • Offer reassurance – Seeking help can feel overwhelming and even frightening. They may fear being judged, misunderstood, or dismissed. Remind them that mental health challenges are common, and help is available. Let them know you support their decision to seek help and that they’re not alone.

  • Stay calm and composed – Hearing that someone you care about is in distress can be upsetting, but responding with panic or alarm may make them feel worse. Staying calm helps create a safe space where they feel comfortable opening up.

  • Be patient and give them time – You might want them to talk more or take action immediately, but they may not be ready. Avoid pushing them or rushing their process. Let them set their own pace while gently encouraging them to seek support when they feel comfortable.

  • Avoid making assumptions – Each person’s experience is unique. Try not to assume you know what’s causing their distress or what will help them feel better. Instead of offering advice, ask open-ended questions like, "How can I support you?" or "What do you think might help?"

  • Maintain social contact – Mental health struggles can make people withdraw from others, leading to isolation. Continue including them in activities, even if they decline at first. Whether it’s a simple text message, a phone call, or inviting them to spend time together, these small gestures remind them they’re not alone.

2. Offering Practical Help

In addition to emotional support, offering practical assistance can help relieve stress and make it easier for them to seek professional help.

  • Help them find useful information – Researching mental health resources can be overwhelming, especially when someone is already struggling. Offer to help look up therapists, support groups, or helplines that match their needs.

  • Accompany them to appointments – If they’re nervous about seeing a doctor or therapist, offer to go with them. Even just sitting in the waiting room can provide reassurance and make them feel supported.

  • Assist with daily tasks – Sometimes, small responsibilities can feel overwhelming when someone is struggling. Ask if you can help with specific tasks, such as:

    • Offering them a ride to an appointment

    • Helping with childcare so they can take time for themselves

    • Running errands or doing household chores

    • Preparing meals or ensuring they have food available

  • Educate yourself about their mental health condition – Learning about what they’re going through can help you understand their experience and find more ways to offer meaningful support.

3. When Someone Refuses Help

It can be difficult when someone you care about refuses help, especially if you see that they’re struggling. However, it’s important to respect their autonomy while continuing to offer support.

  • Be patient and understanding – There may be reasons they’re hesitant to seek help, such as fear of stigma, past negative experiences with mental health care, or simply not feeling ready. Let them know you understand and that you’ll be there for them whenever they decide to take the next step.

  • Offer emotional support and reassurance – Even if they’re not ready for professional help, knowing that someone cares can make a difference. Continue checking in, listening, and letting them know they’re not alone.

  • Gently provide information on how to seek help – Instead of pressuring them, you can casually mention that help is available when they’re ready. You might say something like, "If you ever decide you want to talk to someone, I’d be happy to help you find the right support."​

What You Can’t Do:

While you can offer support, there are some things that are beyond your control:

  • You can’t force someone to talk – They need to feel comfortable opening up in their own time. Pressuring them might cause them to withdraw further.

  • You can’t make them seek help – If they are an adult and it’s not an emergency, they have to make the decision to seek professional help themselves.

  • You can’t see a doctor on their behalf – A healthcare provider may offer general advice, but they cannot discuss or treat someone without that person’s consent.

4. Handling Emergencies

There may be situations where urgent action is needed. If someone is at risk of harming themselves or others, seeking immediate help is crucial.​

If they are in immediate danger:

  • Stay with them and call emergency services (ambulance, crisis helpline, or take them to the hospital).

  • Stay until they are with a professional who can provide care.

If they are struggling but not in immediate danger:

  • Encourage them to reach out to a crisis helpline, a trusted family member, or a mental health professional.

  • Offer to help them make the call or send the message if they feel overwhelmed.

5. Taking Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with mental health struggles can be emotionally draining. Taking care of yourself ensures that you have the energy and resilience to continue offering support.

  • Take breaks when needed – If supporting someone is becoming overwhelming, give yourself permission to step back and recharge.

  • Talk to someone you trust – While respecting the other person’s privacy, you can still share your own feelings with a friend, therapist, or support group.

  • Set boundaries and be realistic about your limits – You are not responsible for “fixing” someone else’s mental health. It’s okay to say no if you’re feeling exhausted or unable to help in certain ways.

  • Share the responsibility with others – If possible, involve other supportive people in their life so you’re not the only one providing help.

Even small actions—listening, being there, and showing kindness—can have a profound impact on someone’s mental health journey. By offering consistent support, you can help them take the steps toward seeking professional help when they’re ready.

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We are committed to ensuring that every individual experiencing a mental health challenge receives the support, care, and respect they deserve.

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