How to Support a Friend with Mental Illness

What is it?
Supporting a friend with mental illness involves understanding their challenges, offering emotional support, and encouraging them to seek professional help when needed.

How Can I Help?

1. Listen Without Judgment: Create a safe space for your friend to share their feelings.
2. Educate Yourself: Learn about their condition to better understand their experiences.
3. Be Patient: Recovery takes time, and setbacks may occur.
4. Encourage Professional Help: Offer to assist in finding a therapist or attending appointments.

What to Avoid

• Minimising their feelings or offering unsolicited advice.
• Assuming you know how they feel without asking.

When to Seek Emergency Help

• If your friend mentions thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
• If they show signs of severe distress or crisis.

Remember
Supporting a friend with mental illness can make a significant difference. Offer compassion, understanding, and encouragement for their recovery journey.