3 Tips On Supporting Someone Special When They’re Down In the Dumps
3 Tips On Supporting Someone Special When They’re Down In the Dumps. Nothing is more heartbreaking than watching someone you care about struggle with mental illness. One in every four people in the UK suffers from mental illness, and up to 75% of these issues go untreated. Unfortunately, many celebrities have died as a result of mental health issues in recent years, not to mention regular civilians who are dealing with their own issues! So, when you’re up close and personal with someone suffering from depression, anxiety, or a variation of other mental health issues, it’s time to step up and be the person they need you to be. When someone you care about is down, here’s a few tips on supporting someone with mental health issues.
Tips On Supporting Someone
Donβt shrug it off
The worst thing you could do as an outsider dealing with a mental health issue is dismiss it or tell them to cheer up. There is a difference between feeling sorry for yourself and suffering from depression, and the cause is not always clear. So, please, don’t ask them why they’re depressed when their life appears to be going so well, and don’t, please, don’t make them feel bad about how they’re feeling. They already do, believe me. Depression and anxiety can arise from a variety of sources. The person who is suffering is usually struggling to find the source of the issue, and the last thing they need is to be told to “lighten up.”
Encourage them to get help
The most important thing you can do to help your loved one is to start encouraging them to seek medical attention. The most common response is that they do not want to be pumped full of antidepressants, and that is entirely their choice. However, being depressed does not always imply that their doctor will prescribe them medication and let them get on with their lives. In fact, the exact opposite is true. While antidepressants are an option, there are other forms of assistance available, such as regular doctor visits, therapy from professionals such as Bluesky Psychology, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and even changing up lifestyle choices to see if that helps.
Be open and honest with them
It can be difficult to persuade someone to talk about what is bothering them, especially if they believe the reason is silly. Even if you don’t have mental health issues, it’s likely that certain things bother you or that you have fears and anxieties about them. Open up to your loved one about your problems to demonstrate that you’re trying to understand and want to help. Being able to share personal thoughts and experiences is important in a relationship, as well as in helping someone in recovery.
Putting yourself in their shoes may also help you realise how much they are struggling and help you relate to them a little more than you already are. One important thing to remember is that just because you can’t see mental health doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
Consider all of these points and take the necessary actions so that you can finally try to help that special someone in your life. Remember that the first point of contact should always be the doctor, as they are medically trained and can provide the best assistance.
