Support Others’ Mental Health Challenges

When lending a listening ear to someone who may need it, the focus here should be on empathy and understanding.

Remember, your role is to provide reassurance and connection, not to solve every problem. Sometimes, simply being present and attentive can make a significant difference.

Below is a summary of some helpful tips to follow when supporting someone who may be struggling with their mental health:

• • Listen and chat with them about their emotions. Validate their feelings where possible.
  • Ensure to let them know that you are here to support them and that you care about them.
  • Where possible, familiarise yourself with their mental health issue such as the symptoms they may be experiencing, and what treatments they may be able to access.
  • It is important to withhold from any judgement in terms of how they might be behaving or reacting.
  • If appropriate, suggest that they should communicate with a doctor or mental health professional, to improve their wellbeing. Offer assistance through this process.
  • Respect their decision if they do not want to talk about their mental health or how they are feeling. They may also need a distraction sometimes.
  • If they are currently on medication for their mental health, where appropriate encourage them to continue taking their prescribed medication.
  • Offer practical help, if possible, such as helping with the daily chores, cooking meals, helping with the laundry and cleaning.
  • Make sure you also look after yourself and have some ‘me time’ to improve your interactions with the person who is struggling. It may also help model the importance of self-care for them, which can significantly improve their wellbeing.