How to Show Up for Someone Navigating Mental Health Difficulties

Supporting a loved one through emotional struggles or a new diagnosis can be challenging, but it’s also one of the most compassionate and meaningful ways to show you care.

Whether it's a friend, coworker, family member, child, or partner, knowing how to offer your support can make a big difference in their healing process. Here are some ways you can help someone who is struggling in  thoughtful, helpful, and respectful ways.

1.  Educate Yourself Understanding some of the core components of mental health is crucial in offering effective support. While issues relating to conditions like depression, anxiety, or ADHD vary from person to person, having a basic understanding of associated challenges can help you empathize and avoid harmful misconceptions. Look online for resources that provide education on your loved one’s symptoms or diagnosis. You will find organizations, articles, books, podcasts, and groups which might help. Try to find some resources that share the personal stories of people who have struggled and learned to cope with their challenges. The more you educate yourself, the better you’ll be at recognizing signs for help and responding in a supportive way.
   

2. Listen Without Judgment One of the most important things you can do for someone with emotional challenges is to offer a safe space to express themselves. It’s essential they feel heard and understood, even if you don’t fully grasp what they’re experiencing. Let the person who is struggling talk openly about what they’re going through without judgment, criticism, or glossing over how they feel with rushed or forced optimism. If you are a parent, this is an especially important but difficult step. Parents often instinctually jump in to “fix” or “save” their child from hardship. Resist this urge and focus on listening—do not offer suggestions, personal anecdotes, or teaching moments. Just start by listening.

   
   

   Further, it’s important to use active listening techniques so the person feels heard. You can do this by making eye contact, nodding to show understanding, and offering supportive comments like, “Wow, I can’t imagine how hard that must be. I’m here for you.” This relational connection is an important part of healing and moving forward for the person struggling. And, it can help you grow, too!
   

3. Show up in Small, Consistent Ways Support doesn’t always have to come in grand gestures--showing up for the little moments can make a big difference. Whether it’s sending a text to check in or inviting them on a walk, these small connections can help. Other ideas might include sending a picture of something that made you think of them or a link to a website or video, or creating a playlist of songs you think they’d like. Even if you don’t always get a response or they don’t feel up to socializing, the seeds of caring concern have been planted.When someone is struggling with their emotional health, it also can feel isolating. They may withdraw from others or be slow to respond. Don’t take this personally and don’t give up. Continue to reach out gently and let them know that you’re available whenever they’re ready to talk or get together.
   

4. Encourage Professional Help While your support matters, it’s important your loved one does not solely rely on you.  A mental health professional, such as a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist, can provide the specialized care and treatment a person who is struggling emotionally may need. Gently suggest that they reach out and, if needed, offer to help them find a professional who might be a good fit. Things you might be able to assist with include helping make an appointment if they feel overwhelmed or  sorting through options. If they are already seeing a therapist or psychiatrist, encourage them to continue attending appointments and/or take medications as prescribed.
   

5. Take Care of Yourself Supporting someone going through a hard time can be emotionally taxing, so it's crucial to prioritize your own mental and physical well-being, too. Make sure you’re setting healthy boundaries, taking time for self-care, and asking for help when you need it. It’s easy to become overwhelmed while trying to take care of someone else.Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. By maintaining your own mental health, you’ll be in a better position to help and support others. If needed, seek out your own therapy. If you are the parent of a young person struggling, I highly recommend seeking a therapist who specializes in parent-child relationships, such as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LFMT). This type of professional can help you keep a balanced perspective on a big picture that includes you, your child, and the rest of the family.
   

6. Know When to Step In If you notice your loved one’s symptoms are becoming more intense, it may be time they reach out for more immediate professional help or contact a mental health crisis hotline. If you suspect your they are unsafe, meaning you believe they are considering suicide, are self-harming, or are abusing a substance, it is important to connect them with someone trained to help. Offer to help them reach out to a crisis line, hospital, or emergency resource. Consider going with them to their intake session or first appointment. If ever in doubt or unsure of where to turn for yourself or a loved one, call 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

Final Thoughts

Your presence, understanding, and compassion can make a world of difference to someone who feels isolated or misunderstood. By listening, respecting their boundaries, encouraging professional help, and practicing patience, you can be an invaluable source of support on their mental health journey. They are also likely to return the gift of time and compassion if you ever find yourself in need.

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone—reach out to others for support as you continue to pour your time and energy into your loved one. You deserve that same care and compassion too. The clinicians at The Conative Group are dedicated to helping the people struggling, as well as the people who care about them. Please feel free to reach out to us so that our team can help you know where to begin.