Providing Support: Helping a Loved One Through Their Mental Health Journey

Providing support to someone you care about who is struggling with their mental health can feel overwhelming, however, it doesn’t have to be. Small, thoughtful actions can make a huge impact on someone's mental health journey, whether it's offering a kind word or an ear to listen, your kindness and presence can provide comfort, hope, and a sense of connection that can significantly contribute to their healing and recovery. Below, you will find a few simple strategies to help you provide meaningful support while maintaining your own well-being and emotional balance throughout the process. 

1. Listen with an Open Mind.

The act of listening can be one of the most powerful things you can do when supporting someone who is dealing with mental health challenges. Providing a space for your loved one to share their feelings without judgement, interruptions, and unsolicited advice can help them feel heard, validated, and less alone in their struggles. Some positive phrases you can use are: 

• “I’m here for you.”

• “That sounds really difficult.”

• “Thank you for sharing this with me.”

2. Avoid Minimizing.

Although your intentions may be good, avoid using phrases that can come across as dismissive like “Just think positive” or “It could be worse.” Instead, be sure to validate their feelings by acknowledging their pain, using phrases like “I can see this is really hard for you.” This little adjustment in conversation can make a huge difference and can allow your loved one to feel understood and comforted. 

3. Learn About Their Condition.

Educating yourself on the different types of mental health conditions can help deepen your empathy and ability to provide meaningful support. Doing so can give you a better perspective of what your loved one is dealing with, allowing you to avoid common misconceptions and foster a more supportive environment. Consider checking out resources such as the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) to learn more about mental health topics.

4. Encourage Professional Help.

While this may be a sensitive topic, gentle suggestions to seek therapy can be beneficial in the long run. Try things like offering to help research a therapist or accompanying them on their first appointment if they feel comfortable with it. 

5. Set Boundaries to Support Yourself.

Supporting a loved one through their mental health struggles can sometimes take a toll on your own well-being. It is important to recognize when you need to take a step back to prioritize self-care to ensure you can continue offering meaningful support. 

6. Check in Regularly. 

A simple text or phone call to ask how someone is doing can go a long way. Frequent check-ins can help foster a sense of connection while diminishing thoughts of loneliness that sometimes accompany mental health challenges. 

Remember, You don’t have to have all the answers to be a supportive friend or family member. There are several steps you can take that may seem small, but are actually quite powerful methods to show a loved one how much you care. If you have any questions about supporting a loved one on their healing journey, contact us to discover some of your options!