Sometimes being there for your friends during tough times can be extremely difficult, especially when you don’t understand what they’re going through. Here are some ways you can help support your friends through mental health issues.
Just as in any relationship, communication is key. You can’t help someone if you don’t communicate with them. First, if they are comfortable with it, ask them to describe to you how they are feeling. If they suffer from a mental illness, have them define it to you, and tell you the kind of impact it has on their everyday life. It will be much easier to support them once you know what they are going through. If they don’t feel comfortable talking about it, don’t hesitate to do some research of your own. If you know your friend suffers from a specific mental health disorder, search online how that disorder can affect people, as well as the best ways to help. It is important to remember, however, that mental health disorders don’t always affect people in the same ways, so you may have to adjust what you read online to fit the situation of your friend.
It’s also important to discuss the best way to help them. You may think you know the best way to help, but you don’t truly know unless you ask. Ask them if there is anything you can do to support them, and if they say no, don’t push them. Remember, you may want the best for them, but you don’t always know exactly what that looks like.
The most important thing to remember is that someone’s brain often tells them things that aren’t true, this is the basis of mental illness. A friend going through a difficult time may require a lot of reassurance. It’s important to be patient, and take the time to remind them that they are not a burden, and that their mental illness is just as valid as any physical ailment. A little bit goes a long way when it comes to reassurance. Even if your friend doesn’t ask for it, it can be helpful to remind them how much you care about them.
Lastly, remember that everyone is going through something that you may not know about. It is important to be kind to people, and be there for them when they need it most. We all could benefit from a little more kindness.
If you ever feel as though your friend may become a danger to themselves or others, it is important to seek professional help immediately. Although this may be difficult to do, it is the safest solution for your friend as well as yourself. Here are a couple important mental health services to know about both on and off campus:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
UMaine Counseling Center: 207-581-1392