Being a supportive person is something that everyone should strive for. Without this kind of help, there is no doubt that people all around the world would struggle. This is why the people around you have such an influence in your life. When your circle of friends and family is of high quality, it makes things much easier. For this reason, you should always appreciate good friends and family members.
One area that you really have to look at when it comes to loved ones is definitely their mental health. These mental health issues are unfortunately very common, no matter how big or small. Some people will suffer from depression, while others might just have a stressful day here and there. Either way, this doesn’t mean that you can’t help. Putting time and effort into helping the mental health of those closest to you is something you should do. If you are uncertain about situations like this, then here are some tips that could really help you out.
Knowing where to help
Firstly, what can you actually do to help? A lot of people appreciate help in different ways. One of the best and most effective ways in which you can help your friends is just sit down and listen to them. Although, many people aren’t going to be so talkative about their issues. When this is the case, trying to force them to talk about it is not a sensible option.
Instead, making it an easier thing to talk about is going to be the best thing you can do. Or, you might even just feel that distraction is the best solution for them. Don’t be afraid to ask outright how you can help and to state that you are available when they are ready. This means that your effort and energy can really go into the right places.
Older generations
When it comes to older generations, there might be other ways of going about helping them out. Discussing mental health and addressing the stigma has not always been the case. Not so long ago, talking about these kinds of things was not common at all. This means older generations might not be so open to talking about their feelings. For example, it is very common for elderly people to be stressed about their health and well-being. Encouraging them to talk about it could be really great. Then, you could look towards solutions such as skilled nursing care for senior residents. This could give them more peace of mind.
Helping in less obvious ways
Sometimes, help is going to come from less straightforward ways. Although talking about it is more common now, many people aren’t open about their mental health. This might also mean that they don’t want to air it out either. When you have a loved one facing such tough issues, then you could potentially help in other ways. As mentioned above, distraction when they are down is a great option. Or even talking about your own issues could help them open up. Checking in regularly is necessary as few people are comfortable with reaching out without an immediate opening.
Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
