Supporting a Person with Mental Health Condition
Being there for someone with a mental health condition doesn’t have to be frightening or awkward. Here are 8 tips to consider:
-
Be present.
-
Establish trust.
-
Listen attentively and without judgement.
-
Do not be dismissive of the person’s sharing or actions. Allow the person time and space to explain how they are feeling and what he/she is going through.
-
Don’t be quick to offer solutions. Instead offer care and support.
-
Read up about different mental health conditions to better understand what the person is going through.
-
Encourage the person to seek help. Try saying “I appreciate you sharing the struggles you are going through. I was wondering if you have considered seeking help from a counsellor or a doctor.”
-
Give persons with mental health conditions the same level of respect and dignity you would to anyone else.
Seek Help Early
If you suspect you or a loved one is facing mental health challenges, talk to someone about it. You can speak to your school counsellors, or refer to our Resource Directory for services available.
Better Support Peers and Loved Ones
-
Become a Peer Supporter - contact your school's Office of Student Affairs.
-
Equipping yourself with mental health knowledge or join a support group to take better care of your mental health.
Be the Catalyst for Change
-
Be a volunteer for mental health causes:
-
Share your story with us, so we can share with the public to inspire them.
-
Raise awareness on mental health conditions (for example, use mental health topics for your schoolprojects or initiate conversations on mental health and stigma.
-
Support the movement by liking and sharing the Beyond the Label Facebook page, or making use of the campaign materials and resources.
-
Post mental health related content on your personal social media pages, such as how to take care of your mental health and building mental health resilience.
If you or anyone you know is overwhelmed with stress or anxiety find the help you need via Belle, the Beyond the Label helpbot. Take the first step to recovery by seeking help early.