Supporting Others
Facebook or Instagram Post:
“Helping others is the way we help ourselves.”
-Oprah Winfrey
Helping others with their mental health not only is it important to reach out to others as they struggle with their mental health, doing so has a positive impact on our own mental well-being. Here are some ways to help others who are struggling with their feelings.
- Find ways to connect
- It’s okay to start slowly – try small actions and support
- Do regular check ins
- Listen
- Don’t be afraid to talk about feelings
- Don’t judge or criticize - validate feelings
- Don’t compare (tell them about when you had a harder situation)
- Ask what you can do to help
- Keep your word – follow through on promised actions
- Offer to just be with them
- Encourage them to take care of their body (sleeping, eating, hydrating, moving)
- Encourage them to keep a schedule/routine
- Provide information if needed
- Explore their other supports
- Identify mood boosting activities
- Know when more serious help is needed
- Persuade them to get more serious help if needed – you may even need to help call