If you have a family member or friend who has mental health problems, knowing how to lend a hand can be challenging. But you can help them and make them feel better by taking care of them and making sure they are safe. They will need your help, too.
The best way to help someone struggling with mental health problems is to be there for them. Listen to them, and offer your support. You can also help by making sure they eat healthy food and get enough sleep. It’s also important to be understanding and patient. Here are other ways to help:
1. Help them connect with mental health professionals
If your loved one is struggling, they need to connect with a mental health professional. This can help them get the support they need and start to feel better. You can help by finding a therapist or psychiatrist specializing in mental health issues your loved one is dealing with.
Or, you could also help them seek the treatment they need. For instance, if your loved one has trouble controlling their eating, this could be a sign of an eating disorder. In that case, maybe you could encourage them to visit a binge eating disorder treatment facility to get help.
It can be frightening to seek professional help, but it can be very beneficial in the long run. So, if your loved one is afraid to seek help, be there to encourage and support them. And always do your best to ensure that they are safe.
2. Encourage them to take medication
If your loved one’s doctor has prescribed medication, encourage them to take it as directed. This can help them start to feel better and get back to their old self much quicker. Of course, you should always consult your loved one’s doctor before making any changes to their medication routine.
Even the act of remembering to take medication can be difficult for someone with a mental illness. If you can, help them by setting the alarm on their phone or putting the pills in a place where they can’t miss them. This way, you can help them take their medication on time and ensure they’re getting the most benefit from it.
3. Help them stay connected to friends and family
Isolation can make someone’s mental health problems worse. Help your loved one stay connected to friends and family who can support them. This way, they can feel loved and appreciated, which can help their recovery.
But if they can’t get the support they need from their loved ones, you could also connect them to a support group. This can provide them with a sense of community and understanding from people going through the same thing. You can help by finding a support group for your loved one’s specific mental health problem.
4. Help them get involved in activities they enjoy
Doing things your loved one enjoys can help improve their mood. So, try to help them find activities that make them happy, like going for walks, reading, or listening to music. You could even bond over these activities together.
It can be challenging for someone with mental health problems to stay positive, but it’s essential to try. If your loved one is feeling down, encourage them to do something to lift their spirits. This can be a great way to help them start to feel better.
5. Be patient
Mental health problems can take a long time to heal. Be patient and continue to offer your support. It will make a big difference in your loved one’s life, especially as they continue to recover. Remember that healing is non-linear; they can have good and bad days even after they’ve started to feel better.
Helping a loved one struggling with mental health issues can be difficult, but it’s worth it. Show them that you care and are there for them, and they will start to feel better in no time.
If you have a loved one struggling with mental health issues, know that you are not alone. There are many ways to help support your loved one, and it’s essential to do what you can. But if you aren’t in the right mental headspace to help, it might be best to connect them with a mental health professional. They will be able to provide your loved ones with the support they need.
Mental health problems can be challenging to deal with, but with your support, your loved ones can get the help they need to start feeling better. Be there for them, and offer your love and understanding. Sooner rather than later, they will begin to recover.
