Supporting Mental Health Concerns
25 Aug 2021
Image by Kleiton Santos from Pixabay
In hindsight, the mental health crisis brought on by the covid pandemic should have been expected; however, due to various lifestyle restrictions and lockdown measures by governments across the world, There has been a dramatic rise in people struggling with their mental health.
During the pandemic, around 1 in 4 people in the US have expressed concerns about their mental health issues. If you or someone you know is worried about their mental health and wants to seek help, there are many different ways you can support loved ones as they navigate this part of their lives.
Share Resources
There are many different charities and resources online that are there to help those having mental health crises. Being able to guide yourself or someone else to the right type of help for what they need. Sometimes it is easier for people to open up to strangers rather than feel like they burden those close to them.
Be Ready to Talk
Mental health isn’t just a 9-5 condition, and as such, if you are supporting them, this means they may need assistance at any time of the day and night. Always be ready to listen and provide support where needed. Alternatively, if you need to talk to someone, find someone you can trust who can be the support you need when you need it the most.
Find Treatment
There are different therapies available to support people with mental health issues. From medication to therapy, it is important that if someone needs help to work through their issues, they get the right help. It isn’t a case of one size fits all, and what works for someone else, such as having psychotherapy, might not work for others. It is important to know all of your options and feel supported to start this process when the time is right.
Use Open-Ended Questions
The language you use and the tone you say things in are critical. Use questions such as “do you want to tell me how you feel today?”. Try not to overload them with questions and allow them to take the lead. Keep questions and statements neutral to remove expectations or the implication that their mental health issues bother you.
Listen To Answers
When opening up the lines of communication, make sure you are listening to what they are saying. Ask if they would like your input or advice if you need to listen to them.
Take on board the conversation and use this information to offer support when needed.
Help Practically
Follow the lead and offer practical support to help them support their wellness and physical health, especially if they cannot do so themselves. This could be making them healthy, nutritious meals, helping them to get outside and get some fresh air. Or something more such as practising.
When helping someone you care about or yourself improve their mental health, the best thing you can do is to offer them compassion and understanding. Mental health is often misunderstood, and accepting the situation and offering practical support and assistance can make all the difference.
Cheers,
Big Daddy
If you would like me to review your service, product, restaurant, or travel destination, send me an email at craig@bigdaddykreativ.ca or find me on “the twitter” at @BigDaddyKreativ
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. He likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the North American Travel Journalists Association and Travel Media Association of Canada. If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.
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