Posted on March 18, 2025

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

Mental health struggles can be challenging to navigate, not only for you but also for your loved ones. Watching someone close to you go through a tough time can feel overwhelming. It’s often difficult to know how to help or what to say. That’s why I want to share some practical ways you can support a loved one who is struggling with their mental health. Whether you’re trying to understand depression, anxiety, or any other mental health challenge, it’s essential to approach the situation with care, compassion, and understanding. In this post, I’ll walk through some actionable steps you can take to provide support, so you can help those who are going through mental health struggles feel seen, heard, and loved.

Understanding the Struggles of Mental Health

The first step in supporting a loved one is understanding what mental health struggles can look like. Mental health isn’t just about feeling sad or stressed; it’s about a range of conditions that affect a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and PTSD can cause significant distress and disrupt a person’s ability to function.

Understanding mental health starts with recognizing that these struggles are real. It's not a matter of “getting over it” or “thinking positively.” Mental health conditions often involve chemical imbalances in the brain or deeply ingrained patterns of thought and behavior that need proper support to manage. When you try to support a loved one, it’s essential that you avoid minimizing their experience. You need to remember that their struggle is valid, and your role is to be there without judgment, offering unconditional support.

Create a Safe, Open Space for Communication

One of the most important ways you can support someone struggling with mental health is to create a safe space for them to talk. This space should be free of judgment, criticism, or unsolicited advice. Let your loved one know that you are there to listen, not to fix things. Often, the most helpful thing you can do is simply listen and validate their feelings.

If your loved one doesn’t feel ready to talk, don’t force them. Make it clear that you’re here for them whenever they feel ready to share. Communication is vital, but it needs to happen on their terms. Be patient, understanding that it might take time for them to open up fully.

Additionally, avoid offering solutions right away unless they specifically ask for help. Sometimes, your loved one may just need to vent, and that’s okay. A listening ear can provide more comfort than jumping into problem-solving mode.

Encourage Professional Help Without Pressuring

Supporting a loved one with mental health challenges can sometimes mean encouraging them to seek professional help. However, it’s important that you approach this conversation carefully. Suggesting therapy or counseling can feel overwhelming, especially for someone who is already struggling. Express your support in a way that makes it clear that seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

If your loved one is resistant to seeking help, don’t push them. Instead, gently suggest it and offer to help them research options or even attend an appointment if they’d like. Be sensitive to their feelings about therapy or counseling, as the idea of seeing a professional can be intimidating. It’s crucial that you don’t pressure them but instead provide encouragement and reassurance.

Remind your loved one that mental health professionals can offer tools and coping strategies that will benefit them long-term, even if they feel unsure about seeking help at first.

Be Patient and Understanding

Patience is key when supporting someone with mental health challenges. It’s easy to feel frustrated or helpless, especially when you don’t see immediate changes in your loved one’s mood or behavior. But it’s essential that you remember that healing from mental health struggles is often a slow and non-linear process.

There may be days when your loved one seems to be doing better, and other days when they seem to be sinking deeper into their struggles. This ebb and flow is completely normal, and you need to be patient during these times. Refrain from pushing your loved one to “snap out of it” or “move on,” as this can feel dismissive and hurtful.

Instead, focus on being a consistent source of support. Show your loved one that you’re there for them no matter what, even when they may not have the energy or willpower to make progress right away.

Offer Practical Help

Sometimes, mental health challenges can make even everyday tasks feel overwhelming. You can help your loved one by offering practical assistance, whether it’s helping with chores, cooking meals, or running errands. Offering this kind of help can take some of the pressure off your loved one, allowing them to focus on their mental health without worrying about other responsibilities.

Make sure to ask your loved one what they need help with instead of assuming. It’s important to respect their independence and not take over tasks they may want to manage themselves. At the same time, offer specific assistance rather than just saying, “Let me know if you need anything.” This helps take the guesswork out of the situation and shows your loved one that you’re actively willing to help.

If your loved one is too overwhelmed to ask for help, gently offer specific tasks that you can do for them. Whether it’s organizing a space in their home or accompanying them to an appointment, small gestures can make a significant difference.

Take Care of Your Own Mental Health

Supporting a loved one through mental health challenges can take a toll on you as well. It’s crucial that you don’t neglect your own well-being while focusing on theirs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or drained, you won’t be able to offer the best support to your loved one.

To ensure that you’re able to show up for your loved one, make time for self-care and set boundaries. Remember that taking care of your own mental health isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. Whether it’s taking a break, seeking your own support, or finding ways to relax, you need to recharge so you can be the best support system possible for your loved one.

Supporting a loved one through mental health challenges is a deeply meaningful and sometimes difficult journey. It requires patience, compassion, and a willingness to listen without judgment. But it also requires you to take care of yourself and set healthy boundaries. It’s not always easy, but by creating a safe space, encouraging professional help, offering practical assistance, and being patient, you can make a significant difference in your loved one’s life.

If you find yourself supporting someone you love through their mental health struggles, know that you are not alone. I am here to help, whether you need guidance, resources, or someone to talk to. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at [email protected]. I am always here to support you on this journey.