How Can You Help Someone Who Is Struggling Mentally?

1. Listen without making judgements and concentrate on their needs in that moment.
2. Ask them what would help them.
3. Reassure and signpost to practical information or resources.
4. Avoid confrontation.
5. Ask if there is someone they would like you to contact.

How do you talk to a friend who is struggling with their mental health?

1. Validate what she’s saying. People want to feel heard, especially when they are struggling with difficult emotions or experiences that might make them feel very alone. ...
2. Ask how you can help. ...
3. Be understanding of her limitations. ...
4. Don’t gossip. ...
5. Change the subject.

How do you help a friend who is having a mental breakdown?

1. Encourage them to stay connected with supportive family and friends.
2. Encourage them to stay on a regular daily routine.
3. Support them in continuing any treatment that they are already on until they can see their healthcare provider.

What to say to support a friend?

• ‘Hey, I’m here for you if you want to talk. ...
• ‘You’re my mate, I’m here for you whenever. ...
• ‘You’ve not seemed like yourself lately.

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

• Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety.
• Long-lasting sadness or irritability.
• Extreme changes in moods.
• Social withdrawal.
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

What to say to a friend who is struggling with life?

“I’m so sorry.” It’s absolutely fine to keep things this simple—and this familiar can be helpful. Saying you’re sorry “validates what they’re experiencing,” Doka says, without sugarcoating the situation. Plus, it doesn’t ask something of the other person, like “Let me know if I can do anything” does.

How does friendship affect mental health?

They can also help increase our sense of belonging, improve our self-confidence and help reduce stress and anxiety . In fact, studies have shown that “those who enjoy close friendships over their teenage years have a lower rate of depression or anxiety later in life.” Friendship is something you never outgrow.

What activities help mental health?

Exercise

Evidence has suggested that physical exercise is an effective intervention in mental health care. Aerobic activities like jogging, swimming, cycling, walking and dancing have been found to reduce anxiety and depression. In addition, they can yield the following benefits: Better sleep.

What are the signs of a mentally unstable person?

• Feeling sad or down.
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.
• Withdrawal from friends and activities.
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.

What are some examples of mental emotional problems?

• Anger. Explains what anger is, and how to deal with it in a constructive and healthy way.
• Anxiety and panic attacks. ...
• Bipolar disorder. ...
• Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) ...
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD) ...
• Depression. ...
• Dissociation and dissociative disorders. ...
• Drugs – recreational drugs & alcohol.

How do you show a friend you care about them?

1. Tell them you care. We all assume our friends know how we feel about them, but do they? ...
2. Listen. ...
3. Just be there. ...
4. Buy her a gift. ...
5. Celebrate their accomplishments. ...
6. Plan a “date night” ...
7. Make time for what’s important to them. ...
8. Show them some social media love.

How do you comfort a sad friend?

1. “Witness” their feelings. ...
2. Affirm that their feelings make sense. ...
3. Show the person you understand their feelings, and facilitate the deepening of his or her own understanding of them. ...
4. Don’t minimize their pain or try to cheer them up. ...
5. Offer physical affection if appropriate.

How do you set boundaries with emotionally draining friends?

You can set firm boundaries in a loving way. Try something like, “I want to be there for you, but I’m unable to support you today in the way that you need,” and maybe even follow up with another date or time that’s less busy.

How do you calm someone down during a mental breakdown?

1. Create a safe and calm environment. Make sure both physically and emotionally the individual is in a safe place. ...
2. Listen without judgment. ...
3. Encourage treatment. ...
4. Help them make lifestyle changes.

How do you comfort a friend over text?

1. “Whenever you need to call, I’m here.” ...
2. “I wish I could be there right now.” ...
3. “You’re still in my thoughts. ...
4. “Your family is lucky to have you through all this.” ...
5. “Maybe I can’t be there, but there’s definitely something I can do. ...
6. “Hey, get well soon. ...
7. “You’re doing a great job with a major responsibility.

How do you comfort someone?

1. 1. “ Witness their feelings” ...
2. Affirm that their feelings make sense. ...
3. Draw out their feelings inorder to better understand what they feel. ...
4. Don’t minimize their pain or focus only on cheering them up. ...
5. Offer physical affection if appropriate. ...
6. Affirm your support and commitment.

What to do when a friend is distancing themselves from you?

1. 1) Break the ice first & express your thoughts. ...
2. 2) Let your feelings be heard. ...
3. 3) Accept the fact that some people are going to go through life without spending time with you. ...
4. 4) Show them that you are still ok without them.

What are 7 signs of a mental disorder?

• Change in feelings or demeanor. ...
• Loss of interest. ...
• Change in sleeping habits. ...
• Low energy. ...
• Difficulty interacting. ...
• Appetite or weight changes. ...
• Uncontrollable emotions.

At what age do mental health issues start?

Fifty percent of mental illness begins by age 14, and three-quarters begins by age 24 .

Why might someone avoid getting help for a mental health concern?

Barriers to accessing mental health support include difficulties in identifying and communicating distress, stigmatising beliefs, shame, a preference for self-reliance, and anticipation that help will be difficult to access .

What do you say to be supportive?

Be supportive.

But, if you’re looking for something to say, here are some ways to articulate that you care: “ I’m here for you .” “How can I help you?” “What do you need right now?”

How do you get someone to open up emotionally?

1. Consistency is key.
2. Practice active listening.
3. Ask questions...but not too many.
4. Demonstrate sharing and self-disclosure.
5. Lean on nonverbals.
6. Let them know you value your relationship and ask what they need to feel safe.
7. Acknowledge your own desires.

How do you talk to someone you haven’t talked to in awhile?

When you text someone you haven’t talked to in a long time, it’s important to send them something lighthearted . The trick is not to come off as needy or desperate. Keep the messages short and sweet, and don’t send too many messages back-to-back.

When should you cut a friend out of your life?

1. The friendship is consistently one-sided. ...
2. They betray your trust. ...
3. They don’t keep your secrets. ...
4. They are overly negative and pessimistic. ...
5. You have little or nothing to talk about. ...
6. They create or attract drama. ...
7. They are passive-aggressive when you say “no” to them. ...
8. They dismiss it when you raise a concern.

What is a person with no friends called?

Someone who is friendless has no friends. The boy was unhappy because he thought he was friendless. Synonyms: alone, abandoned, deserted, isolated More Synonyms of friendless.

How do you check a friend’s mental health?

Show that you’re listening by repeating back some of what they are telling you . For example, “So, you feel that ...” or “It sounds like you ....” Acknowledge their feelings. It never hurts to say (or repeat) that you care. Share concern, but not panic or judgment.