how to support someone with a mental illness
- lxrynwxtring
- Oct 21, 2022
- 3 min read
10/21/22
howdy cherubs! I hope this post finds you well!
we are going to be discussing ways to help support someone you know with a mental illness.
the first and best way to help support someone struggling with a mental illness is to help remove the stigma that comes with it. the stigma around mental illnesses is that there is a negative association that causes discrimination attitudes towards those with mental illnesses.
this can sound like:
"you're faking it"
"other people have it far worse than you"
"can't you just choose to be happy?"
"try and exercise"
but there is also a self-stigma that we can fall accustomed to. this is when negative attitudes, internalized shame, and other negative emotions that individuals have about their own condition.
which can sound like:
"I am a burden"
"my family would be better off without me"
"I don't deserve to get help"
"it'll go away eventually if I do..."
we all fall into self-doubt and self-criticism. but this is when affirmations can be helpful to learn and use daily.
here are some ways to help remove the stigma around mental health in others:
show compassion for those with mental illness
talk openly about mental health
be a positive mental health role model
don't use disrespectful terms when talking about someone's mental illness
choose empowerment over shame
do not label or stereotype people with mental illness
educate yourself & others about the different illnesses
encourage equality of both physical & mental health
the best and easiest way to remove the stigma is to be kind. when you know that someone is going through a difficult time, don't make it worse. choose to be the bigger person and help them in whatever way you can. you may not be able to do everything for them, but even the smallest amount of support can go a long way for someone struggling.
things NOT to say to someone with a mental illness:
"you should just pray"
"we're all crazy"
"the problem is your attitude"
"it's all in your head"
"everybody feels that way"
I understand that everyone has bad days and goes through tough situations. just because you have it worse than someone else DOES NOT mean that their feelings aren't valid. you never know what someone is going through behind closed doors and when they're alone. these are the things you shouldn't say, but there are things you can say to show support.
things you CAN say to those struggling:
"do you want to talk about it? I'm always here for you."
"what can I do to help?"
"that sounds really difficult. how are you coping?"
"let's go somewhere quiet or take a walk."
"I'm really sorry you're going through this. I'm here for you if you need me."
"are you looking for my perspective or would you rather I listen?"
the best way to treat someone who is dealing with any type of mental illness is to put yourself in their shoes. how would you want to be treated if you were going through the same situation? I don't think anyone wants to be treated badly. everyone wants to be respected and cared for in one form or another.
other ways to support a friend through their mental illness:
be patient with them
read up on their illness. inform yourself of potential symptoms, triggers, or behaviors
remind them of how much they mean to you
spend time with them, but give them space if they ask for it
offer advice when they ask of you, allow them to vent when they need to
do NOT attempt to diagnosis them or play doctor. be a friend
& lastly, look after your own mental health, you cannot pour from an empty cup
and lastly, remember that not all mental illnesses are visible. someone may appear to be confident, but be struggling with anxiety. someone can still smile and joke and have depression. someone can feel suicidal but still shows up for work and appear "fine."
the key is to not confuse someone's "outer world" with their "inner world." they are not equal. it is always your safest bet to check in on someone and not assume they are okay by how they "look."
THIS INFORMATION IS NOT MY OWN. WHILE I SUMMARIZE AND WRITE WORDS OF MY OWN, THIS MEDICAL INFORMATION IS NOT FROM ME PERSONALLY.
below are some articles and sources I used to create this post:
@RealDepressionProject
I hope that my readers (you cherubs) will use this blog as a resource and a point to come back to when helping others. that is why I make these!
you are not alone. you have support & if you feel that you don't, please reach out and I will help you in whatever way I can to get the resources that you need.
remember, you deserve to be here.
xx Loryn
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