Supporting a Friend Through Mental Health Challenges

How To Support A Friend Experiencing Mental Health Challenges

Mental health conditions affect millions of Americans, with an estimated 21 million adults experiencing depression alone. When someone you care about is struggling with their mental health, it’s natural to feel concerned and perhaps uncertain about how to respond, especially if you’ve never faced similar challenges yourself. Your presence and support can make a significant difference in your loved one’s journey, but knowing how to help effectively is important. In this article, we’ll explore constructive ways to support friends and family members experiencing mental health difficulties, with practical tips for providing compassionate care while also maintaining your own wellbeing.

How to support a friend with mental health challenges

Learning that someone you care about is struggling with their mental health can be concerning. However, there are several meaningful ways you can provide support while respecting their individual needs and experiences.

Educate yourself about mental health conditions

Supporting a friend with mental health challenges can be particularly difficult if you haven’t experienced similar struggles yourself. Taking time to research and understand what they might be going through demonstrates your commitment to supporting them effectively.

For instance, without proper understanding, you might wonder why your friend has difficulty leaving home or practicing basic self-care. However, conditions like depression don’t always have an obvious underlying cause, and can make seemingly simple tasks feel insurmountable. Having this knowledge helps you provide more compassionate, informed support.

Here’s a brief overview to help you get started:

Depression is a mental health condition characterized by persistent low mood, lack of motivation, loss of interest, and difficulty concentrating. It encompasses several specific disorders, including major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression. Beyond affecting mental and physical health, depression can impact a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and perform self-care. Common symptoms include ongoing sadness, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, irritability, concentration difficulties, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite.

Create space for conversation (on their terms)

Your friend might want your presence in their life but may not be ready to discuss their mental health condition. Follow their lead to avoid causing additional distress. If they haven’t brought up their struggles but you suspect they’re having difficulties, consider a gentle approach: “I’ve noticed you seem to be going through a tough time lately. I’m here if you ever want to talk about it.” Be mindful of timing and privacy when bringing up sensitive topics.

If they do open up, supportive responses like “that sounds really difficult” or “I’m always here to listen” can be helpful. While you might instinctively want to offer advice, active listening is usually more beneficial. If they specifically ask for your input, share it thoughtfully, but remember that sometimes people just need someone to hear them without trying to solve their problems.

Validate their experiences

People experiencing mental health challenges generally want to feel better, but their condition can make it difficult to address symptoms. Comments like “just forget about it” or “you need to try harder” can unintentionally invalidate their experience and make them feel worse. Instead, try saying something like, “I’m sorry you’re going through this. I’m here to support you however I can.”

Share empathy (without comparison)

If you’ve experienced mental health challenges yourself, sharing this can help your friend feel less alone. It may be encouraging for them to know that someone they care about has navigated similar feelings, especially if you’ve found effective ways to manage your symptoms.

However, be cautious about drawing direct comparisons between your experiences. Mental health conditions manifest differently for each person, and your journey may be quite different from theirs. Instead of saying, “You should try meditation because that cured my anxiety,” try, “If you’re interested, meditation helped me with some of my symptoms. It might be worth exploring if that feels right for you.”

Share information about resources

Through your research, you may discover helpful resources that could benefit your friend. Share this information gently, without pressure. For example, the crisis lifeline can be reached at 988 anytime, day or night. Many communities also offer support groups and mental health services that might be valuable.

Offer this information as an option rather than a directive. Your friend may choose to explore these resources immediately, save them for later, or decide they’re not the right fit at this time. The key is making the information available while respecting their autonomy.

Support their treatment choices

Evidence-based treatments, including medication, have proven effective in managing many mental health conditions. Avoid making light of or stigmatizing your friend’s choice to take medication or pursue other treatments. If they express hesitation about medication, you might help normalize this aspect of treatment by comparing it to how someone with diabetes needs insulin to manage their condition.

Prioritize your own wellbeing

Supporting someone with mental health challenges can be emotionally taxing, and it’s important not to neglect your own needs in the process. You might not be experiencing similar mental health issues, but providing ongoing support can still affect your emotional wellbeing.

Ensure you have your own support network—ideally people who aren’t directly involved in the situation and can offer objective perspective. It’s natural to feel concerned, frustrated, or even helpless at times when supporting someone through mental health challenges.

If you find yourself struggling with your own mental health as you support your friend, consider seeking professional help. Addressing your own wellbeing enables you to be more present and effective in supporting others.

How telehealth therapy can help

Research indicates that online therapy can effectively address the mental health concerns of those who provide care and support to others. Studies have shown that telehealth therapy can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression in people who care for individuals experiencing physical or mental illness. The flexibility and accessibility of online therapy make it particularly valuable for busy caregivers and support persons.

If you’re supporting a friend with mental health challenges and want to better understand their condition or improve your supporting skills, telehealth therapy through ReachLink can help. Our licensed therapists can provide guidance remotely through secure video sessions, helping you navigate the complexities of supporting someone while maintaining your own mental health. Telehealth therapy offers the convenience of connecting from your preferred location, making it easier to prioritize your wellbeing alongside your other responsibilities.

Takeaway

With mental health conditions affecting millions of Americans, it’s not uncommon to have someone in your life who’s struggling. Remember to approach them with patience, compassion, and understanding. While providing support to others, don’t forget that your mental health matters too. If you’re finding it challenging to navigate this supporting role, consider reaching out to a ReachLink therapist for guidance. When it comes to mental health, everyone deserves quality care and support—including those who provide it to others.