Written By: Iqra Anwar
Mental health is a topic often overlooked or stigmatized in today’s society, despite affecting a significant portion of the population.
With one in five individuals experiencing mental health issues at some point in their lives, it is crucial to understand the various ways in which mental illnesses can manifest and the impact they can have on individuals and their loved ones.
From depression to anxiety to severe mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, these conditions can be challenging to navigate without the right support.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 ways to provide emotional support for those with mental illnesses and offer tips on how to help a loved one in need. And the best part is the take-home message from a professor of psychiatry written at the end of this article, as it provides valuable insights and recommendations for those struggling with mental illnesses and their loved ones.
So, whether you’re struggling with your own mental health or trying to support someone else, keep reading to learn more.
1. Unlocking the Mystery of Mental Health: Understanding Disorders, Seeking Help, and Offering Support
Knowing more about mental health and the various mental disorders may help you comprehend the difficulties a family member or close friend is experiencing. Unluckily, there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment for mental illness. “You can help a loved one with mental illness more effectively if you are familiar with the symptoms, causes, and treatments of the various types of mental illness, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)”.
A wealth of information is available to help you understand more about mental and physical health issues. The Internet, books, articles, films, and documentaries are excellent informational resources. Contributing to efforts to increase public comprehension of mental health is also feasible.
Additionally, there are online forums and support organizations whose members seek to educate themselves on mental health concerns. Speaking with a mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or social worker, may also be beneficial to obtain additional information.
2. Compassion over Fixation: How to Support a Loved One’s Mental Health Journey
When assisting a loved one with mental health issues, showing compassion and avoiding making snap judgments is crucial. Rather than attempting to “fix” the problem for the other person, it is often more beneficial to listen to them and validate their experience. It is natural to desire to “make things better.”
If you show the other person that you are patient, empathetic, and willing to listen to what they say without casting judgment, they may feel more at ease and be more inclined to discuss their perspectives and experiences. Let your friend or family member know that you will always be there for them and do your best to understand what they are going through, regardless of how difficult it may appear. It is essential to reassure children that they can confide in you without fear of being judged or ignored. Give them control, and demonstrate your confidence and concern by remaining by their side.
3. Supporting a Loved One’s Mental Health: Respecting Privacy and Healthy Boundaries
If you want to assist a loved one struggling with mental health issues, you must respect their privacy and never force them to reveal anything they are unwilling or unable to discuss. It is easy to disregard that a person with mental illness may have difficulty setting and maintaining healthy boundaries.
Respect their limits and do not attempt to press them beyond what they are willing to do. The most effective method of assisting while respecting a person’s right to privacy is to listen without rendering judgment and to provide a safe, bias-free environment.
There is no reason to believe they will be forthright about anything they are reticent to confront unless they expressly indicate otherwise. Mentally ill individuals may feel compelled to express their darkest thoughts and emotions, even if doing so is against their current desires. This can be communicated through ostensibly harmless questions and statements that induce or exacerbate feelings of isolation and helplessness.
Therefore, if someone is unwilling to discuss their thoughts and emotions with you, it is best not to speculate about their inner lives.
4. Breaking the Stigma: Encouraging Your Loved Ones to Seek Professional Mental Health Care
In a casual conversation or if they offer professional mental health care, it may be beneficial to suggest professional treatment to a friend or loved one. It would be helpful if they provided professional counseling for mental health issues. However, we do not recommend seeking their assistance in an emergency. It would help if you instead concentrated on assisting them in discovering who they already are.
Mental health professionals are well-equipped to provide the highest care and assistance to those with persistent or severe mental health issues. If they are experiencing significant distress or persistent symptoms, they should consult a mental health professional who can assist them in obtaining the necessary treatment.
A good friend or family member will attempt to comprehend why their loved one is reluctant to obtain professional assistance because they don’t know what’s happening or are too humiliated to discuss their issues with a stranger.
Many individuals may hesitate to seek this type of assistance. They may feel humiliated to ask for help out of fear of being perceived as feeble. In reality, however, requesting assistance requires tremendous courage and fortitude. If you have a close acquaintance or relative who could benefit from professional service, try convincing them. It has nothing to do with remorse or guilt. In addition, remind them that they will receive financial assistance if they enter the workforce. Seeking professional help may be difficult, but your support will make it easier.
5. Revitalize Your Mind and Body: The Power of Self-Care in Fighting Mental Illnes
Self-care is frequently the first line of defense in the fight against mental disorders. Remember your close friends and family members attempting to prioritize self-care and leisure activities. Wonderful stress-relieving activities include physical activity, reading, spending time with supportive people, listening to music, engaging in pastimes, and practicing relaxation techniques.
Two straightforward methods to improve one’s mood and demonstrate the importance of caring for one’s physical and mental health are eating and drinking plenty of water.
It is crucial to educate children daily that it is acceptable to take time for themselves. When mentally ill individuals must take time off work or seek medical assistance, they may feel guilty. Self-care strategies, such as taking a break from routine and establishing realistic boundaries, may benefit recovering addicts. They can achieve mastery and harmony by taking action, being truthful about their needs and limitations, and communicating this information to others.
Your words of encouragement and compassion will go a long way toward easing this process and encouraging them to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Although it may be difficult, assisting a friend or family member with mental health issues is right. One of the most meaningful ways to help someone is to educate yourself about mental health issues, listen to them without passing judgment, respect their need for privacy, urge them to seek professional treatment, and remind them to take care of themselves.
To provide the best possible support system, you must make an effort to demonstrate that you recognize and value your loved one’s emotions and experiences. This could be extremely helpful for their recovery.
Lastly, it is essential to acknowledge even minor successes as evidence of personal development and achievement. Celebrating even the most minor victories and milestones will help keep your loved one’s motivation and hope alive during their long and difficult road to mental health recovery.
Take Home Message
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health! Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you or someone you know is struggling. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay, and surrounding yourself with supportive people can make all the difference. So, let’s prioritize self-care and keep our minds and bodies feeling good.
There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.” ― Leonard Cohen
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