How to Support a Loved One with Mental Health Issues

Learn effective ways to support someone struggling with mental health challenges while maintaining your own wellbeing. Discover communication strategies, boundary-setting techniques, and when to seek professional help.

Supporting Loved Ones at a Glance

Impact

Support improves recovery rates

By up to 50%

Caregivers

43 million unpaid caregivers

In the US alone

Communication

Key to effective support

Active listening matters

Self-Care

Essential for caregivers

Can't pour from empty cup

Effective Communication Strategies

What TO Say

  • "I'm here for you, no matter what"
  • "You're not alone in this"
  • "It's okay to not be okay"
  • "How can I best support you right now?"
  • "This is an illness, not a weakness"

What NOT to Say

  • "Just snap out of it" or "Think positive"
  • "Others have it worse than you"
  • "It's all in your head"
  • "Have you tried exercise/yoga?"
  • "You don't look depressed/anxious"

Practical Ways to Help

Daily Support

  • Check in regularly without being intrusive
  • Offer specific help, not vague "let me know"
  • Help with practical tasks (groceries, meals)
  • Be patient with cancellations

Active Listening

  • Listen without judging or fixing
  • Validate their feelings
  • Don't minimize their experience
  • Ask open-ended questions

Treatment Support

  • Help research treatment options
  • Offer to attend appointments
  • Help track medication/symptoms
  • Encourage professional help

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Why Boundaries Matter

Prevent Burnout

Caregiving without boundaries leads to exhaustion and resentment. You need to protect your own mental health to effectively support others.

Maintain Relationships

Clear boundaries help preserve the relationship long-term. They prevent codependency and maintain mutual respect.

Encourage Independence

Healthy boundaries allow your loved one to take responsibility for their recovery and build their own coping skills.

How to Set Boundaries

  • Communicate limits clearly and kindly
  • Say no to requests that drain you
  • Schedule specific times for support
  • Don't feel guilty for self-care
  • Recognize you can't fix everything
  • Maintain your own activities and friendships
Boundary Setting Worksheet

Recognizing and Responding to Crisis

Crisis Warning Signs

  • Talking about wanting to die or self-harm
  • Looking for ways to end their life
  • Feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
  • Giving away possessions
  • Sudden calmness after deep depression
  • Withdrawing from everyone

How to Respond

If you notice these signs, take action immediately:

  • Don't leave them alone
  • Remove access to lethal means
  • Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
  • Text "HELLO" to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
  • Go to emergency room if necessary
Crisis Resources

Caregiver Self-Care Essentials

Physical Self-Care

  • Maintain sleep schedule
  • Eat regular, nutritious meals
  • Exercise regularly
  • Attend your own medical appointments

Emotional Self-Care

  • Join a caregiver support group
  • Consider therapy for yourself
  • Express your feelings to trusted friends
  • Practice self-compassion

Practical Self-Care

  • Ask others for help
  • Take regular breaks
  • Maintain hobbies and interests
  • Set realistic expectations

Additional Resources

Need Help Supporting Someone?

Connect with professional resources and support networks to help your loved one and yourself.

Find Therapy Resources Crisis Resources