What can friends and family do to help?
This section is for friends and family who would like to support someone who is experiencing a mental health problem.
It can be very difficult to see someone who you care about become distressed and unwell, but you do not need to be an expert on mental health to offer support. Often, small everyday actions can make the biggest difference.
Show your support
If you know someone has been unwell, do not be afraid to ask how they are. They might want to talk about it, or they might not. But just letting them know they do not have to avoid the issue with you is important. Spending time with your loved one lets them know you care and can also help you understand what they are going through.
“Sometimes all you need is a hug and for someone to tell you that you’re going to get there.”
Ask how you can help
Everyone will want support at different times and in different ways, so ask how you can help. It might be useful to help keep track of medication, or give support at a doctor’s appointment. If your friend wants to get more exercise, you could do this together, or if your partner is affected by lack of sleep, you could help them get into a regular sleeping pattern.
Be open-minded
Phrases like ‘cheer up’, ‘I’m sure it’ll pass’ and ‘pull yourself together’ definitely don’t help. Try to be non-judgemental and listen. Someone experiencing a mental health problem often knows best what is helpful for them.
“Leave out the ‘cheer up’ comments, they don’t help and force my low moods lower as my condition is being made a joke of.”
Don’t just talk about mental health
Keep in mind that having a mental health problem is just one aspect of your friend or family member’s life. Most people do not want to be defined by their mental health problem, so keep talking about the things you have always talked about together.
“For me, it is good to have them there to talk to me about other things, and take my mind off negative thoughts.”
Show trust and respect
Trust and respect between you and your friend or family member are very important – they help to rebuild and maintain a sense of self-esteem, which a mental health problem can seriously damage. This can also help you to cope a bit better if you can see your support having a positive impact on the person you care about.
Look after yourself
Supporting someone else can sometimes be stressful. Making sure that you look after your own wellbeing can mean that you have the energy, time and distance you need to be able to help. For example:
- Set boundaries and do not take too much on. If you become unwell yourself, you will not be able to offer as much support.
- Share your caring role with others, if you can. It is often easier to support someone well if you are not doing it alone.
- Talk to someone about how you are feeling. You may want to be careful about how much information you share about the person you are supporting, but talking about your own feelings with someone you trust can help you feel supported too.
