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How to Support A Friend or Family member with their mental health
Tips on how to support a friend or family member with their mental health
Additional tips for supporting a friend or family member with their mental health
UK resources that can help
How to Support A Friend or Family member with their mental health
Mental health problems are common, and it's likely that you will know someone who is struggling. If you're concerned about a friend or family member's mental health, there are many things you can do to support them.
If you're supporting a friend or family member with their mental health, it's important to take care of yourself too. This means making sure that you're getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising. It also means finding time for yourself to do things that you enjoy.
Supporting a friend or family member with their mental health can be challenging, but it's also very rewarding. By following these tips, you can make a real difference in their life.
Tips on how to support a friend or family member with their mental health:
Be there for them
Let them know that you care about them and that you're there for them. This means listening to them, offering your support, and being there for them when they need you.
Be understanding
It's important to understand that mental health problems are real and that they can be very difficult to deal with. Be patient with your friend or family member, and try to understand what they're going through.
Encourage them to seek professional help.
If you're concerned about your friend or family member's mental health, encourage them to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can help them to understand their mental health problem and develop a treatment plan.
Don't judge them
It's important to remember that mental health problems are not their fault. Don't judge them or make them feel bad about their mental health problem.
Help them to take care of themselves
This means encouraging them to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise. It also means encouraging them to do things that they enjoy and that make them feel good.
Be patient
It takes time to heal from a mental health problem. Be patient with your friend or family member, and don't expect them to be "cured" overnight.
Additional tips for supporting a friend or family member with their mental health:
Be a good listener
Let your friend or family member talk about their feelings without judgment.
Offer practical help
This could include running errands, cooking meals, or helping them to get to appointments.
Encourage them to connect with others
This could mean connecting them with a support group or suggesting that they reach out to friends or family members.
Be patient and understanding
It takes time to heal from a mental health problem.
Take care of yourself
It's important to make sure that you're taking care of your own mental and emotional health too.
Some UK resources that can help:
Mind
Mind is a mental health charity that provides information and support to people with mental health problems and their families.
They have a helpline that is available 24/7:
0300 123 3393
Rethink Mental Illness.
Rethink Mental Illness is another mental health charity that provides support and information.
They have a helpline that is available 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday:
0300 500 0450
NHS 111
NHS 111 is a free 24/7 telephone service that can provide advice and support for people with mental health problems.
111
Samaritans
Samaritans is a suicide prevention charity that provides emotional support to people in distress.
They have a 24/7 helpline:
116 123
Counselling Directory
The Counselling Directory is a website that lists accredited counsellors in the UK