How to be there for a loved one who is struggling with their mental health.
- Sierra-Rayne Lincke
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Having someone in your life who is struggling mentally is a challenge for both parties, even those on the other end. You may not know what to do, what to say, what not to say, or how to help them. Coming from someone who
has had her own mental health struggles, I advise you to not overthink it.
Some people just need someone to listen to what they have to say; they need to get out their emotions to a caring person. Some people don't want to talk right away, and that is okay too. You might ask yourself, "Great, well how do I know what they want?" The answer is to ask. You don't know for sure what someone needs until you have an open, honest conversation with them. Only then can you show up the way your loved one needs you to.
It is a misconception that you simply have to imagine what you would want if you were in your loved one's shoes because everyone is different. Not everyone needs the same things emotionally so it's important to identify those differences. For example, when my heart is heavy I find comfort in spending time alone in nature to recharge. On the other hand, I have friends who need to talk it out in order to feel better. There are some gray areas, too; mental health is never just black or white.
If your loved one has a hard time expressing their needs, it's important to make it known that you are available to them if and when they need you. Sometimes it's difficult to communicate what is happening when in a certain mental space, so accepting and seeking help might be daunting as someone might not always know what is wrong. Being patient and providing a safe space for your loved one will encourage them to open up about their feelings.
Ultimately, mental health struggles impact everyone. Whether you're a parent, sibling, cousin, grandparent, grandchild or friend of someone with mental health issues, the struggle is real. Don't hesitate to seek counseling if and when you need it. Keep on extending your support to your loved ones, they appreciate you. Thank you for your care.