How to help a friend who is struggling with mental illness?

It can be challenging to navigate the complexities of mental health concerns, but having a helpful friend can make a big difference in someone's life. For this reason, it's crucial to learn some doable strategies for offering practical assistance to friends who are facing mental health difficulties. Nonetheless, it is imperative to approach the issue with compassion, empathy, and a sincere desire to help. Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Senior Psychiatrist and Founder-Director of Manasthali, offered advice on how to help a friend dealing with mental health concerns in an interview with HT Lifestyle.

First, educate yourself: Learning about a friend's mental health issues is the first step in providing help. Gaining knowledge about the kind of issues they face, typical symptoms, and easily accessible treatments can equip you with the necessary knowledge to offer successful assistance. Learning about different mental health issues can be aided by books, articles, and resources from reputable mental health organizations.

Pay Attention Well: Sometimes all someone needs is someone to hear them out without making assumptions about them. Provide a space free from judgment so that your partner can express their thoughts and feelings. Refrain from offering advice or quick fixes until specifically asked. Allowing children to talk about their experiences can be a very effective method to help them release some of the emotional weight they may be carrying.

Demonstrate Empathy and Understanding: When supporting a friend who is struggling with mental health concerns, empathy and understanding are crucial. Place yourself in their position and acknowledge that, despite the fact that they aren't always obvious, their difficulties are real. You can help them from invalidating their experiences and feelings by showing empathy and recognizing the difficulties they are facing.

Keep Up Regular Communication: When helping a friend who is struggling with mental health concerns, it's imperative to keep up regular communication. Whether through phone conversations, texts, or in-person visits, make sure you check in on them frequently. people feel valued and connected as a result, which lessens the sensation of loneliness that frequently accompanies mental health problems.