Watching your loved one struggle with their mental health can be challenging. It can be heartbreaking watching a friend or family member in pain and can cause you to feel worried, frustrated, and helpless. You may want to do everything in your power to help them but are unsure of how to go about the process. While it may be a challenge, showing your loved one support and understanding can be the key to their recovery. Here is how you can help a loved one struggling with mental illness.
Educate Yourself
The more you understand what your loved one is going through, the better you’ll be able to help them. If someone you know has been diagnosed with a mental health disorder, read up on the specific symptoms, causes, and treatments. If your loved one hasn’t been diagnosed with a specific mental illness, but you believe they may be struggling with their mental health, educate yourself on the warning signs.
Express Your Concern
If you notice changes in your loved one’s mood or behavior, you may want to bring up your concerns. While these conversations can be uncomfortable, these conversations may be the first step to getting your loved one the help they need.
Express your concern without acting like something is wrong with the other person. Let them volunteer information on their own time, and don’t pressure them to talk if they aren’t ready.
Listen Actively
One of the best things you can do to help your loved one struggling with mental illness is to offer a listening ear. Lending a non-judgmental ear and being a shoulder to cry on can comfort someone who may be feeling alone, worried, or depressed.
Let your loved one know you are there for them and available to listen. While listening, show empathy and avoid trying to solve the problem or offering unsolicited advice.
Encourage Professional Help
Unfortunately, you can’t help your loved one on your own. While you can provide emotional support, mental health experts can help create treatment plans that encourage long-term well-being and recovery. Try to encourage your loved one to seek mental health help; just like they would see a doctor for a broken bone, it is equally as important to see a doctor for help taking care of their mind.
Watching a loved one struggle with mental illness can be heartbreaking at times. It can also be challenging to know where to start with helping them. Educating yourself, expressing concern, and actively listening are all ways you can help support your loved one who may be struggling. If you are concerned about your loved one, it may also be crucial to encourage professional help. At The Guest House, located in Silver Springs, Florida, we offer diverse therapy options to meet the unique needs of every one of our guests. To learn more, call us today at (855) 483-7800.