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Supporting Someone Who Is Struggling With Their Mental Health
Thursday 4th August 2022
Direct Training (GB) Ltd.
It might not always be clear that somebody is suffering with their mental health or experiencing difficulties with their thoughts and feelings as sometimes when you are feeling this way it can be hard to know what to say and to know who you can talk to. If somebody does tell you that they are struggling though it doesn't take a lot to show them that you care and that you can offer them support. Small actions can go a long way and in today's blog we will be sharing with you some of the things you can do to support someone who is suffering with their mental health or feelings.
Emotional Support
Listen One of the very best things that you can often do to support someone is to listen. If someone feels as though they can talk to you about how they feel it can often mean a lot to let their thoughts and feelings out and to know that there is someone there to listen.
Offer reassurance Seeking help can feel lonely and even sometimes scary. By reassuring someone, you can really help to take the edge off the situation and help the person reaching out know that they aren't alone and that you will be there to help.
Be patient Seeking help and opening up to someone about your struggles can sometimes take time and everyone is different. Don't press or rush the person for more details, instead, let them explain at a pace they feel comfortable with.
Stay calm Although it may be upsetting to hear that someone that you care about is distressed, try to stay calm. When you are calm, your friend or family member will often feel calmer too and will feel reassured that they can talk to you about what they are going through and be open without upsetting you.
Don't make assumptions Whilst your perspective on the situation might be useful, try not to assume that you know what has happened or why.
Keep social contact A great form of emotional support that you can offer is social contact. This will help to keep things as normal as possible and take your friend or family member's mind off what they are going through. Try inviting them so social events and chatting about other parts of your life such as hobbies and interests.
Practical Support
Look for helpful information If someone is struggling to reach out for further help themselves, try researching things that you think might help them.
Help to organise paperwork You can help your friend or family member to keep all of their important paperwork safe and organised. This can include notes, prescriptions and receipts.
Go to appointments with them
If your friend or family member wants you to go along with them to appointments then you should go with them as this can be a great way of comforting them. Even just waiting in the waiting room can make a difference.
Ask what you can do to help
Try asking your friend or family member what you can do to help them. For example; maybe they have some chores around the house that they need a hand with?