How to provide emotional support to someone struggling with mental health problems; Expert shares insight

In our society, everyone faces their own challenges, and providing emotional support to someone struggling with mental health problems is crucial to their journey to recovery. Watching a loved one struggle with symptoms of mental illness can be challenging, and knowing how to help and support them can be just as difficult. Each person’s situation is unique, requiring empathy, patience, and understanding. Just as others have supported us through difficult times, we may be concerned about the mental well-being of our friends, family members, or colleagues. Whether through friendships, family relationships, or professional relationships, there are many ways to offer meaningful support to those we care about. (Also read: Mental health matters: What signs to look out for to recognise symptoms of long-term depression in your loved ones and how to help them ,

Essential ways to provide support to loved ones struggling with mental health problems

Aruba Kabir, mental health counsellor and founder of Enso Wellness, shares with HT Lifestyle essential tips to provide meaningful emotional support to someone struggling with mental health challenges.

1. Listen actively: Active listening is most important. Let the person speak and listen carefully, maintain eye contact and avoid interrupting. Let them share their feelings and thoughts, even if you think they should feel that way, without fear of judgment. Use affirming head nods and phrases like, “I understand,” “That sounds really hard,” or “I’m listening to you” to show that you are involved and empathetic.

2. Validate their feelings: When you listen to them, acknowledge their feelings without minimizing or dismissing them. Statements like “It’s okay to feel that way” or “Your feelings are valid” really help them feel understood and supported. Validation helps build trust and opens the door for deeper conversations. They may open up more and tell you the root cause.

3. Don’t give unsolicited advice: Although it can be tempting to offer solutions when we want them to move past their pain and problems, unsolicited advice can sometimes come across as dismissive or taken lightly. Instead, ask if they need advice or just someone to listen. If they want advice, give it gently and based on what they’ve shared.

4. Encourage professional help: Suggesting professional help can be a sensitive topic. Approach it carefully, stressing that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. You could say, “Talking to a therapist may give you some additional support and strategies,” and offer to help them book a consultation, as this may be difficult for them to do.

5. Patience is the key: Mental health struggles can be complex and enduring. Be patient with their progress and setbacks. It can be really slow and frustrating. Avoid pressuring them to “snap out of it” or “look on the bright side”. Recovery is a journey, not a quick fix. Let it go, time heals pain, it is not a solution.

6. Provide practical/everyday support: Practical help can reduce their stress to some extent. This can include assisting with daily tasks, helping them find a mental health professional, accompanying them to appointments, walking their dog, cooking meals, etc. Small acts of kindness can make a significant difference.

7. Keep an eye on them: Checking in with them regularly can show that you care and are always there for them. A simple message or call can remind them that they are not alone. Ask them open-ended questions, such as, “How have you been feeling lately?” to encourage them to share more.

8. Respect their boundaries: While it’s important to be supportive, it’s equally important to respect their need for space or privacy. Pay attention to their cues and avoid putting too much pressure on them. Let them know you’re available whenever they’re ready to talk.

9. Upgrade yourself: Educating yourself about the issue and understanding more about the specific mental health condition will help you provide better support. Educate yourself through reliable sources to gain information about what they are experiencing and how to best support them.