Ten Ways To Support A Friend Or Family Member With Their Mental Health

Assisting a loved one dealing with mental health problems, including substance abuse or addiction, requires 2 things: a plan, and a considerate approach. Grasping the intricacies of these issues is essential to offer heartfelt support while helping your friend or family member suffering from poor mental health to take deliberate actions in finding a solution. “The 2014 survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing in England found that 1 in 6 people aged 16+ had experienced symptoms of a common mental health disorders,” and that number is closer to 1 in 4 people today. 

Recognizing that individuals facing mental health challenges often encounter hidden obstacles is crucial. Thus, we present ten ways to hep your beloved in navigating mental health problems along with a complimentary mental health infographic download for easy reference- whenever necessary.

     (Infographic at bottom of page, or Contact Us to request yours by email)

Top 10 Ways You Can Help Your Friends & Family With Mental Health Problems:

Educate Yourself

Learn about mental health conditions, addiction, and the specific challenges your friend or relative is facing. Understanding their experiences, symptoms, and treatment options can help you provide informed support.

Encourage Professional Help

Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from a mental health specialist or addiction counselor. It would be natural to ensure that the person is in touch with their Family Doctor. Offer to help them research treatment options, find suitable therapists or treatment centres, and accompany them to appointments if needed.

Practice Empathy

Approach the situation with empathy, understanding that mental health issues and addiction are complex and can affect individuals from all walks of life. Avoid blaming or shaming them for their struggles, as this can worsen their feelings of guilt or shame.

Be An Active Listener

Give your friend or relative a safe space to express their feelings and experiences without judgment. Allow them to open up about their struggles, and listen attentively. Sometimes, simply being there to listen can provide great relief.

Offer Emotional Support

Let your loved one know that you are there for them, offering emotional support and a non-judgmental ear. Show empathy, validate their feelings, and remind them that they are not alone in their journey. 

Set Boundaries, Not Walls

While it is important to provide support, it is also crucial to establish healthy boundaries for your own well-being. Understand your limitations and avoid enabling unhealthy behaviors. It is ultimately unhelpful to facilitate their alcohol or substance misuse without taking a strong position that they need to address the problem. Encourage self-responsibility and communicate your boundaries clearly but compassionately.

Offer Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Help your friend or relative explore healthy coping strategies such as exercise, meditation, creative outlets, or engaging in hobbies that can provide a positive outlet for their emotions and reduce the need for substance use.

Avoid Enabling Behavior

Enablement can inadvertently perpetuate addictive behaviors. Avoid providing financial assistance if it is likely to be used for drugs or alcohol, and refrain from covering up or making excuses for their actions. In some cases, the threats of suicide or self harm are used as ways to obtain compliance amongst friends. Encourage accountability and personal responsibility.

Make a Supportive Environment

Encourage your loved one to surround themselves with supportive individuals who understand their struggles and can provide positive influence. If necessary, help them connect with support groups, community resources, or other individuals who have gone through similar experiences.

Take Care Of Yourself

Supporting someone with mental health issues and addiction can be emotionally draining. Make sure to prioritize self-care, seek support from your own network, and consider therapy or counseling to process your feelings and experiences.

Above all else, try to remain hopeful and positive whenever interacting with someone dealing with mental health issues. Greater understanding of the determinants of mental health gives an appreciation that with conscious and deliberate effort, poor mental health can be improved. Additionally, lifestyle and diet modification can bring about major improvements in mental health.  But the most important step is for your loved one to seek the qualified help of a healthcare provider because making sound judgment while not in the right mind will lead to the wrong destination. Helping the individual start to change their conversation about addressing mental health problems is a major step in the right direction. 

When it comes to mental health, it’s crucial to remember that everyone’s journey is unique and deeply personal. No two individuals experience the same struggles or find solace in the same ways. That’s why seeking professional guidance becomes essential in navigating this delicate terrain.

Encouraging your friend or relative to consult with mental health professionals can provide them with personalized advice and treatment options tailored specifically to their needs. These experts possess a wealth of knowledge and expertise honed through years of study and practice, enabling them to offer invaluable support on their healing path.

If you find yourself unsure of how best to support your loved ones’ mental health problems, – help is available at Norwich Private GP Services under the compassionate care of Dr. Nnene. Whether an in-person appointment suits your situation or you prefer the convenience of virtual telemedicine consultations online, rest assured we will seek to facilitate the journey to recovery.

With our holistic approach, we strive to address mental health concerns with utmost respect for your well-being and those close to you – because everyone deserves compassionate support on their journey toward inner peace and. Our clinic works closely with skilled psychotherapists who will be able to offer various effective therapy modalities.