How To Help Someone With Mental Illness

Author
Jun 14
3 min read

Updated: Jul 1

Helping someone with a mental health illness is one of the most powerful things you can do — but it can also be confusing, emotional, and hard. Whether they're dealing with depression, anxiety, addiction, trauma, or another illness, your support can make a real difference — even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

Here’s a practical and compassionate guide:

🧠 1. Learn About What They’re Going Through

Understanding their diagnosis or symptoms helps you respond with empathy.

Depression: low energy, isolation, hopelessness
Anxiety: constant worry, panic, restlessness
Bipolar: intense mood swings, manic episodes
PTSD/trauma: hypervigilance, flashbacks, withdrawal
Addiction: compulsive behavior, denial, shame
Psychosis: disconnection from reality (delusions, hallucinations)

You don’t have to be an expert — just being informed makes you more supportive.

🗣️ 2. Start with a Simple, Safe Conversation

Say things like:

“I’ve noticed you’ve seemed overwhelmed lately — I just want to check in.”“You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here for you — even if I don’t fully understand it.”“Would it help to talk, or maybe find someone to talk to together?”

Avoid:

"Just snap out of it"
"You have so much to be grateful for"
"Other people have it worse"

🧭 3. Help Them Find Professional Support

If they’re open to it, offer to:

Help them find a therapist, clinic, or hotline
Go with them to an appointment
Help them call or text a crisis line if needed
Explore medication or treatment options if they’re ready

Many people don’t get help because they’re scared, ashamed, or don’t know how to start. You can bridge that gap.

🔄 4. Support Without Taking Over

Balance is key: support, but don’t rescue or control. Instead of “fixing,” try:

Instead of...	Try Saying...
“You need to go to therapy.”	“Have you thought about talking to someone? I could help you find someone.”
“Just take your meds.”	“Are you feeling okay with your meds? Want me to help set reminders?”
“Why can’t you get out of bed?”	“I know things are heavy right now. I’m here if you want to go for a walk or talk.”

🧱 5. Set Healthy Boundaries

Support doesn’t mean sacrificing your own mental health.

You can say “I love you, but I need a break right now.”
Connect them to hotlines, support groups, or professionals when it’s beyond what you can handle.
Take care of yourself too — you can’t pour from an empty cup.

🆘 6. Know When It’s a Crisis

Warning signs:

Talking about suicide or feeling hopeless
Saying things like “everyone would be better off without me”
Extreme mood swings, dangerous behavior, or withdrawal from all contact

If it’s urgent:

Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – free, 24/7 in the U.S.)
Text HELLO to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
Take them to an ER or call 911 if they’re in danger — stay calm and mention it’s a mental health crisis