Do you have a friend, family member, partner, or child attending therapy sessions? These days, many more people realize that mental health matters and are seeking support for their mental well-being, and they require support from their family and friends to have the best outcome in their journey.
Navigating the complexities of mental wellness can be challenging, both for those directly experiencing it and for the friends and loved ones who wish to offer support. If you have a loved one who is on their mental wellness journey, your support can make a world of difference.
Here’s a guide to help you understand how you can be there for them effectively and compassionately.
Educate Yourself
Understanding why mental health matters is the first step in supporting a loved one’s journey. Learn about common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders. Familiarize yourself with common symptoms, treatment options, and coping mechanisms for these disorders or the challenges that your loved one is experiencing.
The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to offer meaningful support and avoid inadvertently saying or doing things that could be unhelpful.
Listen Without Judgment
Sometimes, the best support you can offer is simply being present and listening. When your loved one shares their struggles, listen actively and empathetically.
Avoid jumping to solutions or offering unsolicited advice unless they specifically ask for it. Offering solutions or advice may cause their symptoms to worsen or add new symptoms to what they are already experiencing. This may also cause them to feel that they can’t share their experience with you in the future because of the reaction that they received.
Remember, your role is NOT to fix their problems but to provide a safe space where they can express themselves freely.
Be Patient and Respectful
Mental wellness journeys can be long and non-linear, with ups and downs that can be difficult to predict. Your loved one might have good days and bad days, and it’s essential to be patient and understanding throughout this process. Respect their pace and their boundaries; if they need space, give it to them.
Recognize that healing and coping take time, and your ongoing support can stabilize them. Remember to not be offended if they tell you that they need some time or space, this doesn’t mean that they don’t want to see you, today just might not be that day.
Offer Practical Help
Sometimes, practical support can be as valuable as emotional support. Offer to help with tasks that might feel overwhelming to them, such as running errands, preparing meals, or accompanying them to appointments.
Small acts of kindness can alleviate stress and show your loved one that they are not alone in their struggles. These small acts of kindness could also be the difference between them having the worst day to having the best day because they no longer had to worry about that one thing.
Encourage Professional Help
While your support is invaluable, it’s also important for your loved one to seek help from mental health professionals. Encourage them to consult a therapist, counsellor, or doctor if they haven’t already. Support them in this process by offering to help find resources or accompany them to their appointments if they wish. However, be mindful not to pressure them into seeking help if they are not ready.
Take Care of Yourself
Supporting anyone through their mental wellness journey can be emotionally taxing. It’s crucial to take care of your own mental health and set your own boundaries as needed. Your mental health matters, too! Make sure you’re not neglecting your well-being in the process.
Practice self-care, seek support for yourself if needed, and remember that it’s okay to take a step back if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Don’t feel ashamed if you feel like you should be speaking to a professional about your experience supporting your loved one. Often, we don’t consider seeking help for ourselves when a loved one needs our support, but this can ensure that you don’t become overwhelmed yourself and it allows you to be available for your loved one!
Celebrate Their Progress
Acknowledge and celebrate the milestones and progress your loved one makes, no matter how small. Recognizing their achievements, even minor ones, can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment. This recognition and encouragement can boost their self-esteem and morale. You could start writing down their wins on a dry-erase board, or a poster board so your loved one can be reminded of their progress when you aren’t around.
Be Mindful of Language
The way you communicate can significantly impact your loved one’s mental and emotional state. Be mindful of your language and avoid phrases that might seem dismissive or stigmatizing, such as “Just snap out of it” or “It’s all in your head.” Instead, use supportive and empathetic language that validates their feelings and experiences.
Remember their experience and account of life events will be different than yours, so something that seems irrelevant to you, might be a huge deal to them. Trying to look at the situation from their perspective may help you use supportive language with them.
Mental Health Matters: Respect Their Journey
Everyone’s mental wellness journey is unique. Your loved one may approach their challenges differently than you would or follow a different path to healing. Respect their choices and experiences, even if they differ from what you might expect or recommend. Avoid comparing their journey to others or to any preconceived notions you might have.
Stay Connected with Rebound Total Health
Supporting a loved one’s mental health matters. Consistent connection can be comforting and reassuring. Regular check-ins, whether through texts, calls, or in-person visits, can help your loved one feel supported and less isolated. Your consistent presence can provide stability and encouragement even if they don’t always respond.
Supporting a loved one on their mental wellness journey requires empathy, patience, and a willingness to learn and adapt. By educating yourself, listening without judgment, and offering practical and emotional support, you can play a crucial role in their journey toward mental wellness.
Remember to take care of yourself along the way and celebrate the progress made. Your unwavering support can make a profound difference in their healing process and strengthen your bond.
Reach out to us today at Rebound Total Health< for accessible counselling online or in-person to help you and your loved one. For news and educational information, follow us on Facebook> and Instagram.