20 ways to help someone struggling with their mental health.

It’s a huge challenge when you know someone you care about is struggling with their mental health and it’s hard to know what you can do to help them.

So here are some tips to help you:

1. If someone lets you know that they’re struggling with their mental health offer them reassurance. Let them know that you care about them and will be there for them.

2. Allow them time and space to express how they’re feeling, what they’re thinking and experiencing.

3. Stay Calm. It can be difficult to see someone you care about in distress but when you’re able to listen calmly, deeply with kindness and compassion, they’ll become more confident about sharing their thoughts and feelings with you.

4. Be patient, they might not be ready to tell you everything yet.

5. It's important to listen deeply without judgment or contradiction and in a caring and nurturing way.

6. Don’t assume you know what they’re thinking and feeling - you probably don’t! We tend to use our own thoughts and feelings as a blueprint for how other people feel and think but they’re probably not the same.

7. Ask them if they know what would help them.

8. Discuss what options are available to improve their mental health, what practical things they can do and what you might be able to do to help them.

9. Encourage them to seek professional help from their GP, contact NHS 111 or refer themselves for free non-urgent NHS talking therapy.

10. It can be very hard for someone who is in a highly emotional state to make decisions and choices or take action so you can offer to help.

11. Offer to make appointments to see their GP and get professional help.

12. Offer to give them a lift if necessary and they might like someone to go along to appointments with them for support.

13. Enquire if there are any practical tasks they might be struggling with that you can help to resolve.

14. Learn as much as you can about their problems and find out what help is available from trustworthy organisations. ie www.nhs.co.uk, www.mind.org.uk, www.thriveteam.uk

15. For urgent help If they have hurt themselves or are in danger call 999 or take them to A & E.

16. The Samaritans are available on 116 123.

17. Caring for someone who is struggling with mental health problems over a long period of time is likely to have a detrimental effect on your own wellbeing.

18. Self-care is vitally important for yourself.

19. It is important to seek care and support for yourself, talk to a friend, your GP or seek professional therapy.

20. If you would like professional support because you're struggling with your mental health please contact me.