How Do I Tell My Friend About My Mental Health?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Give them time to process what you’ve said

. Most people don’t know very much about mental health issues so it may be a good idea to tell your friend about the problem itself, but don’t overwhelm them. You could show them a book or website that’s helped you understand what you’re experiencing.

How do you explain mental illness to someone who doesn’t have it?

  1. Try to manage your expectations. Sometimes, people who have never experienced mental health issues find it tricky to understand what you are going through. …
  2. Prepare what you’re going to say. …
  3. Have the support to back you up. …
  4. Ask open questions. …
  5. End the conversation the correct way.

How do you politely talk about mental health?

  1. Set time aside with no distractions. …
  2. Let them share as much or as little as they want to. …
  3. Don’t try to diagnose or second guess their feelings. …
  4. Keep questions open ended. …
  5. Talk about self-care. …
  6. Listen carefully to what they tell you.

Why is it so hard to talk about mental health?

Why is it so hard to talk about mental health?

The prevalence of stigma and discrimination toward people with mental illness makes it difficult to have a transparent conversation about how we feel

. But an open dialogue about mental health can help everyone heal.

Should I talk about my mental health on social media?


Talking about your mental health on social media is a thing, and it could actually help

.

Personal battles with depression, anxiety and other disorders

traditionally have been kept private. But a growing number of sufferers are finding relief in sharing their struggles with the world.

What to say to someone who is struggling emotionally?

  • Validate their emotions. Letting someone know that they are not alone and being open to what they want to share is an important step. …
  • Just show up. …
  • Be a good listener. …
  • Keep things confidential. …
  • Keep the door open. …
  • Spend time with them. …
  • Offer praise. …
  • Offer practical help.

Why do I attract mentally unstable friends?

By suppressing yourself, you unknowingly self-select for others who overexpress themselves. Emotionally suppressed people tend to get particularly hooked on overly emotional/unstable people because

it allows them to experience their own emotions vicariously through the drama of the person they’re with

.

How do you tell someone that you’re struggling?

  1. By letter. Putting pen to paper is so therapeutic, and writing a letter to tell someone you need support is no exception. …
  2. On the phone. …
  3. Join a support group.
  4. Go to your doctor.
  5. Book an appointment with a private counsellor.
  6. Call a helpline.
  7. Go to A&E.
  8. Save for later:

How do you explain BPD to someone?

BPD makes everything about a person feel unstable, ranging from moods, thinking, behavior, relationships, and sometimes identity. People with this condition have described BPD as

the feeling of having an exposed nerve ending, essentially leaving someone to be easily triggered by small things

.

Can you say mental health issues?


The term ‘mental health problem’ is acceptable to use

, as this acknowledges the negative impact conditions can have on people’s lives. However, the term ‘illness’ is best avoided. Many people experience mental distress and while this may be a problem for them, it does not necessarily mean they are ill.

Are people afraid to talk about mental health?

The truth is

there are many reasons that people might find it difficult to open up about a mental health problem

. Some reasons for this that young people told Newsround include: Worries that people may think you’re ‘weird’ or leave you out. Not wanting to be treated any differently.

Why is talking about mental health taboo?

“Among some immigrant and refugee families, discussions of mental health problems or mental illness is taboo,

due to a cultural perspective that mental illnesses signify being ‘crazy’ or ‘mad,’ thereby preventing families from seeking help because of fear of bringing shame on the family

,” she says.

What are some examples of mental emotional problems?

Examples of mental illness include

depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders and addictive behaviors

.

What are 5 downsides of social media to your mental health?

  • Inadequacy about your life or appearance. …
  • Fear of missing out (FOMO). …
  • Isolation. …
  • Depression and anxiety. …
  • Cyberbullying. …
  • Self-absorption. …
  • A fear of missing out (FOMO) can keep you returning to social media over and over again.

How do people with mental illness talk about social media?

  1. Share Self-Care Tips. …
  2. Be an Example for Others. …
  3. Post Your Story. …
  4. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle. …
  5. Encourage Others to Talk About Mental Health. …
  6. Pick Positivity Over Negativity. …
  7. Be Supportive, NOT Judgmental. …
  8. Educate Yourself.

Why do people post depressing things?

A new survey warns that how we respond could be harmful if the person is troubled. When someone solicits attention online by posting something emotional, it’s known as “sadfishing.” But some social media users can view emotional posts as just

a way to get attention and miss the signs of serious distress

.

How can I be supportive 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.

What to say to a friend who’s struggling?

  • “Can I pick up the kids on Tuesday?”
  • “I’ll always remember how funny she was.” …
  • Prevention Premium: The One Thing That Got Me Through Cancer And A Divorce.
  • “I wish I could take the hurt away, but I can’t.”

What do you say to be supportive?

  1. “Thank you for all you do for us, but now is a time to take care of yourself as well.” …
  2. “I’m proud of you.” …
  3. “I hate that you’re going through this, but I know that you’ve got this.” …
  4. “Remember when you were there for me? …
  5. “Here’s how we’re going to take care of your work while you’re away.”

How do you love someone with mental illness?

  1. Educate yourself about your loved one’s diagnosis. Search NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) for the most up-to-date information about mental illness. …
  2. Encourage and model self-care and wellness. …
  3. Be a safe person. …
  4. Do not love alone. …
  5. Know when to take a break.

Should you date someone with mental health issues?

Don’t Ignore Your Needs


While dating someone with a mental illness can place a heavy focus on your partner’s symptoms and needs, you must not lose yourself along the way

. Remember to practice self-care and establish your wants and needs with your partner.

Why are we attracted to troubled people?

We all have our limits and problems. Often unsolved, coming from childhood or adolescence, they are always there

to remind us that we’ve not been able to go forward

. If we happen to see the same kind of problems in another person, a simple psychological mechanism can be triggered: I can understand that person well.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.