How To Support a Friend Experiencing Mental Illness
Mental illnesses are brain-based conditions that affect thinking, emotions and behaviors. Since we all have brains, having some kind of mental health problem during your life is really common.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness.
For people who have mental illnesses, their brains have changed in a way in which they are unable to think, feel or act in ways they want to. For some, this may mean experiencing extreme and unexpected changes in mood, like feeling more sad or worried than normal. For others, it may mean not being able to think clearly, not being able to communicate with someone who is talking to them or having bizarre thoughts to help explain weird feelings they are having.
While every individual experiencing mental illness may have different symptoms and severities of those symptoms, some common signs of mental illness include long-lasting sadness or irritability, extremely high and low moods, excessive fear, worry or anxiety, social withdrawal and drastic changes in eating or sleeping habits. While some individuals may seem to present more of these signs visually, there are also many individuals who experience high-functioning mental illness, meaning that they seem to be functioning normally and have it all together. However, while these individuals symptoms may not be as visual as someone with low-functioning mental illness, they experience the similar physical and mental symptoms, which is why mental illness doesn’t have a “look.”
Rather, it is important to pay attention to sudden changes in thoughts and behaviors. Keep in mind that the onset of several symptoms, and not just any one change, indicates a problem that should be assessed. These symptoms should not be due to recent substance use or another medical condition.
If someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mental illness, it’s important to show them support.
Expressing your concern and support and finding out if the person is getting the care that he or she needs and wants can show the person that you care about them and will help them find the resources they need to feel more like themselves. Reminding them that help is available and that mental health problems can be treated can provide them with a sense of hope when it seems lost. Connecting them with resources would ease the burden of the difficult journey of finding help yourself and will help them feel less alone in the journey, and may ultimately make them more likely to seek help.
By asking questions, listening to ideas and being responsive when the topic of mental health problems comes up, you can show the individual that you care and sympathize with their struggle.
Reassuring them and offering assistance with everyday tasks, even simple things, can help ease the struggle of getting things done. It can also remind them that they are cared about and that there are people in their life who love and support them. You can also show your support by including your friend or family member in your plans and continue inviting them without being overbearing, even if they resist your invitations. While it may be difficult for them to be social, continuing to invite them will show that your support stays unconditional and that you will be there for them when they feel ready to join.
Lastly, educating other people so they understand the facts about mental health problems can help decrease the stigma around mental illnesses.
The misconceptions surrounding mental health can often prevent individuals from seeking help or feeling supported. It’s important to teach others not to discriminate and treat people with mental health problems with respect, compassion and empathy so that they can have the ability to thrive rather than feel misunderstood.
If someone you know is experiencing symptoms of mental illness such as suicidal attempts, suicidal ideation or self-harm, connect them to professional health immediately. Mental illness is a serious issue and if you wait, it may be too late.
Written by Talia Bina
Header: Mental Health America (MHA) / Pexels
