10 things you can do for someone struggling with Mental Health Illness

You can’t always see me.

You can’t always hear me.

Sometimes you can’t even feel me.

But I am here.

Mental Health refers to the cognitive, behavioral and emotional well being of a person. It’s about how they think, feel and behave.

Mental Health Illness (according to Mayoclinic.com) comes in many forms. Sometimes as excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt. It can be displayed in extreme mood changes of highs and lows. Possible withdrawals from friends and activities. Sometimes even as significant tiredness, low energy and/ or problems sleeping.

But what is important to note is that mental health conditions, such as depression and/ or anxiety, are real. They are common and treatable and recovery is possible. There are ways and steps to mental wellbeing. We just have to take action.

Here are 10 ways you can help someone who is suffering:

• Just be there. Check in often. Listen.
• Validate their feelings. They want to be heard and understood.
• Don’t judge or gossip. They want and have to trust you.
• Drop off a care package. Coffee. Lunch or magazines/ books. Get to know your friend.
• Invite them places. Even though they may not accept every time or at all, just don’t give up. They still want to be included even when it feels like they don’t.
• Don’t pressure them to talk. Sometimes just being with them is exactly what they want and need.
• But ask them what they need. What they want. What would help. Go from there.
• Talk about self care. Engage and give examples but also look for what interests them. Try to make plans together.
• Hugs. Sometimes this is what they need the most. Someone to love them and make them feel safe.
• Learn more about mental health illnesses and what your friend is going through.

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NOW TELL ME, HOW DO YOU FEEL? CLICK ON ONE OR AS MANY AS YOU LIKE.

If you or someone you know is suffering, please call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, text MHA to 741741, call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.

You are valuable, LOVED, you matter and help is available. Don’t give up.

x, Dijana

For self care ideas, please check out my Self Care blog post.