How to be Supportive for Someone with A Mental Health Disorder

***BY ALL MEANS, I AM NOT TRYING TO BELITTLE ANYONE’S HAPPINESS… I am simply just stating a few things that I can personally connect to and that have helped me feel supported. I have learned what things make me feel better and how I can get extra support from my family, friends, and my S.O.***

Here are a few things you can do to be supportive for a friend or loved one who is suffering from anxiety or depression:

1. Give Them a Little Extra TLC on Their Bad Days- Personally, when I am having a really bad day, It is always nice to get a little extra love and attention from my boyfriend or my family.
2. Don’t Try and Force Them to Talk About Their Problems- Let them come to you if they want to talk about what’s wrong. It is okay, to offer a supportive listen but if they say they do not want to talk about it, then leave it at that.
3. Always Remind Them How Important They Are to You- It does not matter if the person suffering is your friend, family member, or S.O., just let them know you really appreciate them and enjoy having them in your life.
4. Don’t Overly Flaunt Your Happiness to Them when They’re Having a Bad Day- It is okay to be happy… Don’t let anybody change that. But, if your friend suffering is having a bad day, try not to go up to them and say,” I am so happy, I love life so much.” That person may assume you are just boasting and feel worse after.
5. Try Your Hardest to Try and Understand Them– Try to think of how they may be feeling.

Even if the person suffering is really stressing you out, because you do not know what to do to help them; just be there for them. That is the best thing you can do. You should try and get to know what things calm them down. Sometimes it is a simple hug, or just sitting next to them until they calm down. It is different for everybody.

The smallest gestures mean the most! The simplest support can save someone’s life. You also never know what people are going through. Not everyone wears their feelings on their sleeve, so you cannot always tell who is suffering from a mental health disorder. This is so basic and I learned this in preschool, but try to treat people the way you would like to be treated.

P.S. for those who suffer from anxiety, feel free to comment things that make you feel better when you are having a rough day, or that your loved ones do for you to make you feel supported!!