In the same way that everyone has physical health, everyone also has mental health. The stigma around mental health issues persists even though they are very common. According to the World Health Organization, depression is the primary cause of disability worldwide. In just the first year of the pandemic, both depression and anxiety increased by more than 25%.
Most of us have gone through difficult situations in life. With the help of our loved ones, we can get through them. We would try to support them if they were going through challenging times too. For those who are finding how to help someone you care about whether they are a friend, relative, or co-worker, you need to understand that there are various methods to support them. However, whichever method you may choose, your support can make a world of a difference for those who are struggling. In this article, discover how you can assist a close one in your life who is struggling with their mental health.
Our emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all parts of our mental health. It influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Additionally, it influences how we respond to stress, interact with others, and make decisions. Health Hub states that Singaporeans frequently believe that mental health exclusively refers to mental illness. In reality, it is a spectrum of mental health, from “functioning well” to “clinically diagnosed with mental illness.” We can move along this spectrum throughout time and at any time based on our capacity to control stress, our coping skills, and our lifestyle patterns.
Being emotionally balanced can increase efficiency and effectiveness in tasks like jobs and education. It helps you adjust to changes in your life and deal with hardship. It also has a big impact on the health of your relationships. According to a National Alliance on Mental Health survey, 46 percent of persons who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental health condition. Because of this, self-care, intervention from a close one, or early medical assistance can help reduce the frequency of suicide deaths.
You might be worried because you’ve noticed a close friend or family member acting differently or opening up to you about their fear for the first time. It might be challenging to know what to do or say. But realize this: you have taken the first step which is to equip yourself with knowledge. The desire to actively understand the struggles of your close one is a big notable step that will go a long way. The actions listed below can help you when you are navigating a conversation with someone who is struggling with their mental health.
Affirm their emotions, this will motivate them to open more. Show them that you are aware of their perspective by responding with verbal cues such as “I see what you mean” or “I hear you out”. Alternately, tell them what you think of it in your own words. For example, you can tell them, “If I am hearing you correctly, you mean…” or “So you were disappointed when…”
