It’s heartbreaking to see your loved one dealing with mental illness without knowing how to help them. If you are going through this, then you are not alone. Mental health affects everyone differently, and no two situations are the same. 

However, there are a few simple tips you can learn about and use to help people struggling with mental illness.

• Active listening, without verbal affirmations, can sometimes be more comforting than responding.
• Physical gestures like a reassuring touch on the shoulder can convey empathy nonverbally.
• Studies show that peer support groups can enhance recovery for people with mental health issues.
• Encouraging small, manageable tasks can help rebuild confidence and structure.
• Avoiding clichés like “stay positive” validates the complexity of their feelings.
• Practicing patience is crucial, as individuals may struggle to articulate their emotions.
• Mental health first aid training can equip you with skills to assist in crisis situations.

If someone you know is not doing well mentally, the first step is discussing mental health. Waiting around and hoping for them to come and discuss their feelings will waste valuable time, so you should approach them. 

Many patients with mental disorders find talking about their feelings weird, so if you approach them, they will be more inclined to discuss the issue.

Some tips to follow when talking about mental health include:

You need to understand that mental health is a tricky subject to approach, and having distractions can make it more difficult to discuss. So when talking to them, turn off your cell phones and anything else that may distract you from the discussion. 

To provide a non-judgmental place for your loved ones to discuss their feelings, you must take time out for them and put everything else on hold.

If you find your friend discussing what they are going through, try not to interrupt them, as this can break their natural flow. Instead, let them take the lead and share at their own pace. Avoid pressuring them into discussing something they are not ready for. 

Remember that for a mental health patient, talking requires a lot of courage, and you may be the first person they are opening up to, so be kind, and, above all, empathetic.

You are not a doctor; you are a friend, so during your discussion, do not jump to conclusions or try to figure out what is wrong with them. You need to be a trained counselor, so second-guessing their feelings or offering solutions is something you should avoid. 

These small actions can push mental health patients back into their shells, which can be very harmful and make them reluctant to open up with other people in the future.

During your discussion, try to stay neutral. Instead of asking closed-ended questions, opt for open-ended questions so that they have the upper hand. Mental health patients are more likely to keep discussing their issues if they can steer the conversation however they want.

When discussing mental health issues, you must let the patient know you listen to every word they say. Try to repeat what they tell you, regardless of whether you agree. Through this simple gesture, you will make them feel respected and comfortable around you.

The last tip to be mindful of when discussing mental health is to know your limit. You must know when you can no longer help and when your loved one needs medical attention. Offer them help, but if they are unwilling to take you up on your offer, do not control them. 

Let the decision to stay in their hands, but stay persistent so they get professional help.

If your partner is struggling with mental health issues and you are unsure where to start, then learning what to say and what not to say can help you.

Even though the tips and tricks you must have can help you, you must have realistic expectations. Recovering from mental illness is difficult, and many setbacks occur along the way.

 Some days you may feel as if your actions are not making a huge difference, but it is important that you do not stop because they will affect them positively. So help your loved one’s struggling with mental illness and keep them from harm’s way today.