What are ways you would help someone with a mental illness?

Question

It can be hard to be around someone you love and care about who has a mental illness so leave some opinions on things you think would be helpful for you if you have a mental illness or helpful for someone with one.

Here's a few things that help me:
-Listening to what I have to say no matter how silly it may seem.
- gentle encouragement to take a shower/bath/brush teeth/change clothes/eat/drink water
- bringing all my favorite foods as a way to get me to eat something
- just chilling with me and distracting me from my own mind.

Leave your suggestions/things that help you!

Finchie40 · Accepted Answer

Give them space , don’t take the mean things they say to you to heart if they are lashing out at you , being in a relationship with someone with mental illness is not an easy ride considering the person not suffering is left with a constant question mark over their head on whether the person is being honest or just lashing out at you, Don’t laugh at them even though at times it’s hard not to , I was married to a girl that suffered from PTSD and bi polar 2 , She put me through a nightmare rollercoaster ride of emotions , of constant ups and downs , so trying to support her during her episodes wasn’t easy, she would love me 1 minute then hate me the next , and made me feel that she didn’t love me , when I would throw in the towel and walk away she would come chasing me back , it became so consistent that I knew which months to prepare myself , When her Mom passed away her grieving was the worst grieving I ever witnessed , I know everyone grieves in their own way but this was beyond , to the point I had no control over it and felt my marriage was over , she became very distant from me and very selfish, I was pretty much a constant punching bag , But I held on the best I could even though I was destroyed inside , to the point I basically started playing investigator cuz she would take off with her toxic girlfriends that also contributed to pulling her away from me and excluded me every which way possible , I tried to stay strong and focused on our kids , Her actions were so pathetic to the point I couldn’t take it anymore and not going to be a sitting duck , I ended up tracking her and following her to meet an married old man coworker that had the hots for her at a hotel , I confronted them and he took off running the second he saw me , as for her I told her it is over and that all her things will be on the front yard and to Not come back to the house you fucking whore. She begged for me back and I told her no fucking way that was my final straw , I will never be with someone that suffers mental illness ever again , that was the worst relationship I have ever been in , the fucked up thing is til this day she doesn’t remember the shit she put me through her brain is so gone to he point she my as well be diagnosed with dementia. Her and And I are on ok terms for the kids sake and put the past behind us for the most part and has tried numerous times to get back together with me , I just can’t do it

ChrisMaster69 · Accepted Answer

all the stuff your have put down,

for me Key things are accepting and not dismissive.

to actively listen

To not only be there for them to support and hold, cuddle if needs be, but also sometimes various others are required, with me it’s sister, best friend, ex wife, daughter, girlfriend , in no specific order.

Help them to focus on things but at their pace, if they drift of nudge them gently.
look at what their priority is. Also don’t burn yourself out, often two can manage it better.

Give them reassurance and empathy

remind them about their good / positive things they do or bring, encourage positive side of things.

if they have an ICE (in case emergency) number for their counsellor / therapist (some of us keep their number there… if they don’t do this, then they should). The counsellor may know specifics or recent triggers.

Another thing is, if they are a friend or someone you are close to, partner etc, is to ask them previously what mental health problem they have, then find out about it, you can often chat to their counsellor as a partner etc, the counsellor will give advice and likely further reading.
also ask them, say look things are great at moment, however what should I do, do you want me to do when you fall down the well?

Plan stuff, get contacts sorted if you need help yourself or if not around.

patience, reassurance, not judging, calm , consistent, listen, distraction, distancing from the issue,

Do not be embarrassed to talk about it before hand or afterwards, however the person with the mental Health issue has the approval to this.

oh and things like first aid kits, kitchen towels, can come in handy, as does not reacting to shocks.

there is more.

DarkCarousel · Accepted Answer

Listening to them or sitting quietly with them. Encouraging counseling and taking medication if needed.
Taking note of the small things that bring them peace, like the scent of a candle or their favorite coffee. Small things that can bring them small moments of joy. Encouraging a hobby. Reading with them or even to them.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

This may be more of a mental injury than an illness but after I was sexually assaulted my brother took a week off work to be with me and I probably spent about half the day in his arms.

And when I started counseling, the therapist was astonished by how fast I recovered.

EmbraceThePain · Answer

Well, perhaps it depends on the person’s specific mental illness.

Here’s generally what I would do:

•TALK TO THEM: They should know that they have someone who will listen to what they have to say or perhaps give some insight/advice on whatever worries or questions they have. Whether it’s a nice walk, nice drive, etc.
I’ll talk and/or listen anywhere.

•NOT ADD TOO MUCH COMPLEXITY: I’ll try to make things as simple as possible and be honest with them in everything. If I can help them with something to make their life easier/simpler then I will happily do that.

•DO THINGS WITH THEM: Whenever time
permits, I’ll find things to do with them. Of course, this depends on what they like. It may not be the best thing to hike 10 miles in the mountains if they are not that type of person or they wouldn’t like such an activity.

•EAT OUT OR COOK: Good food always boosts anyone’s mood, especially if it’s from a place of care, love, etc.

•PETS: Studies show, animal companionship can relieve stress in humans.

•MEDITATION: Lots of benefits

•DAILY EXERCISE: A must for a healthy body & mind

DaveToo · Answer

PTSD is a mental illness. I have suffered from bouts of depression, thoughts of suicide, and uncontrollable anger at inanimate objects.

How do I deal with it? I stay away from crowds as much as possible. When I have to be near them, I try to isolate my thoughts until I'm with people I know and trust.

The one thing that kept me from suicide? An old guy that went through much the same as me, in a different war. "If the enemy couldn't kill you, why do what they failed to do?"

I prefer a peaceful atmosphere, hence I live alone with two kitty cats. They keep me grounded. One or the other or both come to me looking for affection or food. As long as I keep their cat boxes clean and give them some catnip on occasion, they're happy.
There's nothing more soothing than a purring kitty cat.

NathanDavis · Answer

just go and check on your people.. many of them won't reach...

sometimes you call, you text or you post... but I'm really good at masking things, to make you feel that it's okay, and to convince you that I'm just very busy at the moment

at the worst of times, I can disconnect... and as much as I know better and I know very well that I should reach, I just won't...
|
so just go there, and open that door, get through the window if you must because sometimes I would not even answer the door, BE there

Ad_Quid_Orator · Answer

I would speak with a counselor who is knowledgeable about the mental illness.

I mean given the diversity of mental illnesses, there isn't a way to help someone that would work for them any more than there is a way to help someone afflicted with a pathogen. I. e. how you would help them depends on which pathogen that they're afflicted with.

But one thing I would do is keep in mind how it affects their mood so if their mental illness causes them to get pissed off and say hurtful things, I won't take it personally.

t-8900 · Answer

Everything you said plus a therapy animal, lots of cuddles, box of chocolates or cookies, I'll help you with house chores while you just relax and unwind. Having massage therapy under my belt is a bonus I suppose. Laying in bed together and just talking while holding each other and just let you vent. Take you camping, fishing, going on a hike, paddle boats are really relaxing too. I suffer as well so we know what has worked for me. Sunshine band nature are big helpers too

Anonymous · Answer

Definitely eye to eye contact you're exactly right and listen not only listen to their words but listen to what they're not saying you actually get more from that than you do on what they are saying if that makes sense. play music play games doing some creative anyting Painting drawing building making designing something together them laugh that is fun. bonding or trying to bond in a very deep manner no matter if you're trying to help them. No matter what's going on . or what you might be talking about.. they to will have a message for youhave a messge

Agape93 · Answer

How i help others depends on the person

But for things that help me;
Not pushing boundaries
Listening to me and not interrupting me
Giving me affection
Actually being there for me if you say you will
Etc.

Still-alive · Answer

Yeah i always listen intently, if it was in person then yeah id order them food, id likely get their fave.
and yes if they dont wanna talk about whats bugging them i can help distract them. Making them laugh seems to help which is why i like joking around a lot. Its an incredible feeling getting someone whos suffering from depression laughing. :)

CTOswald · Answer

I don't want to sound rude or insensitive, but having a family member with mental illness has taught me that I'm simply not wired for it. In my personal situation, the best thing I could do for them is try to connect them with a professional. I don't have the right toolbox for it, but I'm eternally grateful that there are others who do.

TheBigGuy9 · Answer

I’d take you in the shower with me. We’d brush our teeth together. We would cook and clean together. Exercise, eat clean. If you exercise a few days a week, you get that constant dopamine hit all day that makes you want to succeed. Feeding off each other is a healthy positive way to move forward in life. Work hard at least 5 days a week. Do nothing on our days off from work.

Anonymous · Answer

All you've said and jusr being therw. Not judging me for my emotions alwags being all over the place and how I can't like sometimes not cry and embarrassing stuff like that.

And just showing me that maybe I'm not how I see myself. Helping me to see the good and the wroth there. As I don't myself I think very badly of myself and won't do a lot of things such as going to the doctor's as I don't think I'm worth it. Encouraging things like that are a really big help.

Diamold · Answer

Main priority is to advise the person to see a psychologist.
They studied the human brain for many years and they know how to help
Someone who didn't study that, shouldn't try to help
Sometimes we think we are helping, but we're only making it worse

Charliefretz329 · Answer

Really depends on the mental illness. But generally encouraging physical and emotional health with beneficial, productive, enjoyable activities can help. Be a friend as long as you can sustain your own mental health while doing so….

HOAAH · Answer

I have a personality disorder. I think just nice words and wanting to hang out is good.

Jmmmfi4 · Answer

Wish I had some one to heed this advice... really struggling right now

Relux47 · Answer

Being there for that person as much as possible Listen to what they have to say And things of that nature

exitseven · Answer

I would encourage them to seek professional help. I would volunteer to accompany them if they wanted.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't know, even i can't help myself *banging head to the wall

TheSpaceGnome · Answer

Thats stuff I just do for friends in general. Everyone wants to label themselves ill these days. Whats wrong with wanting to be cared about?

Indiepop123 · Answer

Just having a genuine friend who genuinely cared about me.. and listens and is there for me.

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