Supporting a Loved One with a Mental Health Condition

It is estimated that more than 1 in 5 American adults live with a mental health condition. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, April 25).

If a loved one is experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, the first step is for them to seek help. Once diagnosed, there is always a chance that your loved one may need support. You might be asking yourself; how can I help? Below, you will find a list of different ways to support your loved one through their recent diagnosis.  

Start the Conversation 

This step may be hard for some, but it’s important to remind your loved one that you’re there for them. When speaking with a loved one, allow them to be open and honest without any judgment. Remember to use “I” statements, rather than “you” statements. For example, say something along the lines of “I am concerned about you...” rather than “You need to get help”.  

Find Resources 

When showing support for your loved one with a mental health condition, try to seek out resources that can assist in any barriers they may be experiencing. For instance, if your loved one needs assistance with transportation, search for local bus services or see if any practices offer transportation services.  

Learn More About the Mental Health Condition 

There are many different mental health conditions out there with all different levels of severity. Learn what the condition your loved one is experiencing, educate yourself on why it can develop and how you can help.  

Take Care of Yourself 

Showing support for a loved one with a mental health condition can be difficult, so it’s important to remember to take care of yourself too. It’s normal to feel like you need to put all your energy into your loved one, but you also need to put that energy into yourself. Allot time for yourself to go for walks, read, exercise, eat, anything that helps you feel like yourself during this time.  

There are many ways to approach supporting a loved one with a mental health condition, these are just the ones we recommend. Start the conversation, find resources, educate yourself, and remember, don’t forget to take care of yourself too.  

Sources:    

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm 

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