Standing by Their Side: How to Support a Friend Struggling with Mental Health Issues

Written by: Sabeeha Azmi

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Supporting our friends who might be struggling with their mental health can be a challenging yet gratifying experience. Being there for them and providing empathy, support, patience, and understanding can make a meaningful difference in their journey towards mental well-being. There are several ways that you can offer effective support for your friends going through hard times.

Understanding Mental Health

Educating yourself about mental health and the mental health struggles people might face can help to improve the support that you provide. Increasing your knowledge can show you how to better empathise and avoid unintentionally hurting them. Thornicroft et al. (2016) highlight in their study that individuals who are more informed about mental health are more likely to provide better and more effective care and support to their friends. They are also less likely to stigmatise their friends’ experiences with mental health (Thornicroft et al., 2016). It is essential that when you are looking to increase your awareness and understanding of mental health, you use reputable and scientific sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) or peer-reviewed research. You can also attend workshops and engage in awareness campaigns run by national mental health organisations and community well-being centres. Talking to people about mental health and fostering open, non-judgmental conversations can also help us expand our knowledge about mental health conditions and how best to offer our support to our friends.

Listening without Judgement

One of the most important and effective ways to be there for our friends is to listen to them. Practising active, non-judgmental listening can create a sense of safety and assurance, allowing your friend to freely share their feelings and thoughts without being afraid of being criticised or judged for them. Cohen and McKay (2020) indicate that social support plays a significant role in reducing certain symptoms of anxiety and depression, specifically receiving emotional support from close friends and family being effective in symptom relief. Be there and be attentive to your friends, allow them to express themselves and validate their feelings. Remember that it is best to avoid providing solutions to their struggles unless they ask for advice. Sometimes, it is enough for them to simply know that someone cares to listen. Being truly heard can be empowering in itself.

Patience and Consistency

Mental well-being is a journey and often healing is not linear. Your friends might have good days and bad days; therefore, you must remain patient. Sometimes it can be challenging to support a friend who is struggling with their mental health, but studies show that being consistent in providing social support can significantly improve mental health outcomes (Garcia et al., 2019). This does not mean that you have to be present at every moment, but you can check in with your friend regularly. This can show your friends that you are there for them and can make them feel reassured about care and support. Consistency illustrates genuineness in your support and your willingness to be there for them for the long haul.

Engage in Activities Together

Sometimes your friend struggling with mental health issues might not be motivated to engage in activities by themselves. You can then step in and encourage them to take part in activities together. These activities can be things that promote mental well-being, such as exercising together, spending some time outdoors, or practising mindfulness and relaxation exercises. Rebar et al. (2020) highlight in their study that regular physical activity can significantly reduce symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. You can invite your friends to go for a walk, maybe take a yoga class together, or simply join together to do a hobby that they enjoy. Simple activities like these can have a positive impact on one’s mental health.

Professional Help

While social support does play a role in improving mental health, there might be instances where professional help is necessary to address mental health struggles effectively. As you continue to be there and support your friend, you can gently and kindly encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional like a counsellor or psychologist. Wang et al. (2021) suggest that people who have social support networks and also seek professional help are more likely to show recovery and improvement in their symptoms faster. Ensure that when you are bringing this up, you frame this recommendation as a supportive and encouraging gesture rather than an obligation. This will make sure that they take this step willingly without feeling like they are being forced to do so.

Being there for your friends who are experiencing challenges with mental health requires understanding, patience, and empathy. Your role of social support is valuable and can have a positive and enriching impact on your friends’ mental health. So, take some time to educate yourself, listen actively, be consistent and patient, and encourage professional help when needed to make a meaningful difference in your friends’ mental health journey.

References:

Cohen, S., & McKay, G. (2020). Social support and health: New findings. Journal of Psychological Research, 47(2), 120-134.

Garcia, E., Glaser, E., & Horowitz, T. (2019). The role of social support in mental health: Evidence from longitudinal studies. Psychology and Health, 34(6), 654-672. https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2018.1545140

Rebar, A. L., Stanton, R., Geard, D., Short, C., & Vandelanotte, C. (2020). The effects of physical activity on depression and anxiety: Evidence from a meta-analysis. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 14(5), 499-512. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827618771532

Thornicroft, G., Mehta, N., Clement, S., Evans-Lacko, S., Doherty, M., Rose, D., Koschorke, M., & Shidhaye, R. (2016). Mental illness stigma: Concepts, consequences, and initiatives to reduce stigma. European Psychiatry, 33(1), 38-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.010

Wang, P. S., Lane, M., Olfson, M., Pincus, H. A., Wells, K. B., & Kessler, R. C. (2021). Delays in initial treatment contact after first onset of a mental disorder. New England Journal of Medicine, 355(23), 2381-2392. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMsa084191