Struggling with mental health difficulties is a hard reality that most people will face at some stage in their lives. However, it can sometimes be hard and confusing to know how to support someone struggling with their mental health.
People struggling with mental health difficulties can sometimes withdraw and/or change their behaviours. It is important not to take these behaviours personally but take the time to try an understand these changes, check-in, and be supportive.
Be a safe space
Becoming judgemental, disappointed, or angry with someone struggling with their well-being is not helpful. It is important to remember that their difficulties and symptoms are not a choice. Mental health can be affected by a range of biological, environmental, social and environmental factors. The first step in supporting someone’s mental health is creating a trustworthy, non-judgmental, and supportive space for them to share. This means taking the time to listen before reacting, giving advice or sharing your own experiences.
Get informed
If you know someone struggling with their mental health, take the time to learn more about the symptoms, experiences, treatments and ways of supporting their challenges. Make sure to get this information from reliable sources.
Encourage professional support
Being the only person supporting someone who is struggling is often not a good idea. This can lead to an unhealthy dependence, personal burn-out, and limited support. There is no shame in seeking support for mental health difficulties. Psychologists and psychiatrists can often be good starting points for supporting someone with mental health difficulties. These qualified professionals can then advise on the best type of treatment and support moving forward. In being kind, it’s important to have boundaries of what role you can and can’t play in someone’s journey.
Be supportive
Although talking and listening can be a useful way of supporting someone, it can also be helpful to show support by offering practical support. Encourage exercising and doing other healthy activities together. Help with work and household chores. Send supportive and encouraging text messages.
Stay connected
Many people feel alone on their mental health journey. Regularly checking in, empathising and showing support can go a long way in encouraging someone’s healing. The experience of human care and connection is reassuring for all of us, especially in a world which is increasingly busy and disconnected.
Supporting someone with mental health difficulties involves patience, being informed, and offering personal and practical help. Although being a safe space for someone is a privilege that should not be taken for granted, encouraging professional support can also be useful.
*If you or someone you know are struggling with your mental health, contact SADAG on +27 11 234 4837.
Feel free to reach out to KindnessCan on info@kindnesscan.co.za