1 in 5 of us lives with a mental illness.
If you know someone struggling with their mental health, then these a question you should ask yourself regarding the matter is:
How can you help and support them?
Be A Good Active Listener
By giving them space for discussion, but also interacting by asking questions and giving advice, you will be showing you care about them and show them that you are interested in their opinions and that would as well improve mutual understanding.
Do Not Judge
It is so crucial that we listen when someone
tries to talk to us. Even if it seems like
it's the slightest issue in the world from our personal point of view, it can feel like a big problem to the person facing it. Listening to how someone feels will not cost us the world. Their feelings are their own and the least we can do is let them express them, without the extra worry
that they will be judged or cut off.
Be Supportive
People living with mental health challenges may become overwhelmed when we don't know how to support them. Our emotions can be managed and conversations can be facilitated compassionately when we have the the right information at hand.
Embrace Empathy And Validation
Empathy can be demonstrated by all of us, even if we don't fully understand what someone else is going through. Genuine caring and concern increase the likelihood that those in our lives will reach out to us when they are in need.
An expression of empathy and validation
might sound like: "I understand that you’re
angry right now, that must be difficult."
Do Not Force It
Do not force someone to talk to you or get help, and do not go to a doctor on their behalf. This may make them feel uncomfortable, with less power, and less able to speak for themselves.
Offer Practical Help
Little acts of kindness like offering to do the shopping or to go to professional appointments with them can help. Find out what works for them.
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