How to Help a Friend Who Struggles with Mental Health
If you consider someone a friend, then you spend a lot of time with this person. It is easy to tell when something is wrong. For example, your friend is making negative posts on social media or staying in bed more. A drastic change in your friend’s routine means it’s time to say something. Read on to find out the resources to help you help a friend improve their mental health.
Start the Conversation
You know something is wrong with your friend. Now there is an awkward moment of silence in the air. You are going to want to say something every time you see your friend. Seize The Awkward can help you break that awkwardness and start the conversation.
This website is an excellent resource for conversation starters. You can start by asking your friend if everything is okay. It helps to listen and to let your friend know that you care. You should also ask if he or she is willing to talk to a counselor.
There is no perfect response to someone feeling suicidal thoughts or having depression. However, you should not say anything about understanding how your friend feels.
Encourage Your Loved One to Get Help
You have no control over someone’s recovery from depression. However, you can encourage the person to get help. Suggest that your friend get a general checkup with a family doctor. He or she may feel less anxious about seeing a medical doctor over a mental health professional.
To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) can connect you with resources to help your friend. They have a Find Help Tool that connects you with free and reduced cost counseling in your local community. This tool can also connect you to other mental health resources.
A regular doctor visit can give you information. It allows the doctor to do an examination and to rule out a medical condition for the cause of the depression. If the depression is not medical, then the doctor can refer your friend to a psychiatrist.
Attend a Support Group With Them
There are peer-led groups for family members, loved ones, and caregivers of people living with mental illnesses. The group follows a structured format. It allows for everyone to be heard and get what they need. A support group allows you to share your experiences in a safe and confidential setting. This experience gives you hope and will enable you to develop a support system.
If you are a good friend, then you care about your friend’s well being. It starts with getting more information on mental health.
No matter how many times you get kicked down or fall down on your own doing it is important to learn how to pick yourself up off the ground and fight for your dreams. The proverb "Fall Seven Times Stand Up Eight" is a Japanese proverb (also known as Nana Korobi Ya Oki). For each purchase you make we will donate 10% of sales to the ADAA & NAMI to help raise funding for Mental Health Research.
Leave a comment