Supporting a Loved One with Mental Health Issues: Simple Ways to Help

Do you know someone who has been diagnosed with mental health issues?

Whether it’s a family member, friend, or colleague, offering support can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when it’s hard to know where to start.

Here are a few different ways you can help someone struggling with their mental health, and make a meaningful impact in their journey:

1. Recognize the Warning Signs

The first step in offering help is noticing changes that might signal something’s wrong.

Mental health challenges often show up in subtle ways, like shifts in behavior or mood.  If they’re suddenly avoiding going out, or withdrawing from people they usually enjoy spending time with, it might be worth checking in.

Another sign can be changes in their eating habits—either eating significantly more or less than usual.

And finally, their attitude or mood may shift in ways that seem out of character. If they’re more irritable, disconnected, or generally just not themselves, that’s another signal that they might be dealing with something difficult.

2. Having the Difficult Conversation: Talking About Mental Health

Once these signs are noticed, the next step is to open up a conversation. Talking about mental health isn’t always easy, but it’s important.

Start by gently expressing concern. Something as simple as, “I’ve noticed that things seem a bit tough for you lately, and I’m worried,” can create space for them to share without feeling attacked or judged.

Resist the urge to jump in with solutions or try to “fix” things immediately. Sometimes the best thing to do is to be a listening ear.

Keep the conversation calm and open, without turning it into a confrontation. It’s important to avoid making them feel defensive.

Instead of guessing what they need, ask them how they’d like to be supported.

While offering emotional support is key, sometimes professional help is what’s really needed. Gently encouraging them to talk to a therapist or counselor can be a huge step forward.

Remind them that seeking help from a professional isn’t a sign of weakness—quite the opposite, it’s a brave and important step toward healing.

3. Be Patient and Caring

After that initial conversation, it’s important to continue offering support.

Mental health struggles don’t go away overnight, and being patient throughout the process is vital. Keep the dialogue open—don’t be afraid to check in with them again.

A lot of people hesitate to bring up mental health issues after the first conversation, thinking it might make things worse. But in reality, continuing to talk about it can make your loved one feel less alone.

A simple reminder that they’re not a burden and that you’re there for them can mean more than you think. Checking in regularly, even with just a quick text or phone call, shows that their well-being matters to you—not just in the moment but consistently over time. This ongoing support can make a world of difference.

4. Educating Yourself About the Condition

One of the most helpful things you can do is educate yourself about what your loved one might be going through.

Understanding their condition better not only helps you provide more informed support, but it also shows them that you care enough to learn. 

Being informed also reduces the chances of making assumptions or reacting in unhelpful ways, like dismissing their feelings or offering advice that may not suit their situation. Instead, it allows for a thoughtful approach to conversations, ensuring that your responses are more sensitive and supportive.

Educating yourself doesn’t mean you’ll always have the answers, but it does mean you’ll have a greater awareness of the struggles your loved one is facing and how to be there for them in a way that’s truly helpful.

5. Responding in a Crisis

If there are serious concerns about your loved one’s safety, do not hesitate to call local authorities or emergency services.

It’s better to be on the side of caution. Encourage them to seek professional help when necessary; sometimes a trained therapist is the best option for recovery.

If someone is suicidal and mentions that can no longer go on or does not want to be here.

Don’t hesitate to call or text the Mental Health Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

6. Seeking support for yourself

Taking care of yourself is just as important as caring for your loved one.

It’s easy to get so caught up in supporting them that you forget to prioritize your own mental health. It’s okay to set boundaries and recognize when professional help is needed for both of you.

Encouraging your loved one to engage in self-care—whether it’s through physical activity, relaxation techniques, or simply doing things that bring them joy—can also help them manage the daily stress that comes with mental health struggles.

7. Share Resources

There are so many great resources available online, through organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) or Mental Health America (MHA). These groups offer guidance on how to support someone with mental health struggles and provide resources specifically for family members and caregivers.

 Family-to-Family program is a free 12-session course designed to help family members and friends of people living with mental illness. It’s taught by people who have been there themselves and can provide practical tools for supporting a loved one.

 Family Support Groups, which are peer-led groups where family members and caregivers can come together to share their experiences in a safe, confidential environment. These groups are free and offer ongoing support, which can be a huge help when you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next.

Support groups, like those offered by NAMI or even Alcoholics Anonymous, provide a safe space for those going through similar challenges to connect and find comfort in shared experiences.

Final Thoughts

Supporting a loved one with mental health challenges is not always easy, but it’s worth the effort.

By recognizing the signs, starting a thoughtful conversation, and continuing to offer care, it’s possible to make a meaningful difference in their life.

And remember, it’s not about having all the answers—it’s about being there. Sometimes, that’s all that’s needed.