There are many ways to help your friend or family member who is experiencing mental health challenges. Don’t be afraid to speak up and start the conversation. Here are a few specific ideas:
- Reassure them that they are not alone that you care, and will continue to support them.
- Encourage them to talk openly about how they're feeling and listen carefully. Resist the urge to give advice or talk about your own experiences.
- Read up and learn about their particular disorder to understand what they may be experiencing.
- Stay in touch through regular phone calls and visits to help them feel less isolated.
- Invite them to dinner, movies, sporting events and other activities. Even if they refuse at first, continue to issue invitations periodically.
- Offer to run errands, cook meals, take children to activities, or provide other assistance.
- Encourage them to stay active and engage in activities that have been pleasurable in the past, such as hobbies or sports.
- Encourage them to exercise: offer to go for a walk together.
- Talk to them about the importance of eating right and drinking water.
- Talk about the future. People who are experiencing a mental illness may have feelings of hopelessness and have trouble seeing beyond their current state.
- Be patient and don’t push for too much too soon. Understand that they have a legitimate medical condition and that recovery takes time.
- Point out small signs of progress, such as saying, "I see you’re working in your garden again."
- Without being patronizing, monitor them to be certain they are taking their medications and keeping appointments with doctors or therapists.
- Offer to go with them to medical appointments to provide support and take notes for future reference.
- Don’t ignore or dismiss remarks about suicide.
- Take immediate action if your friend or family member appears to be in crisis. Call the Access & Referral Line at (800) 706-7500 for help.
