May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to start important conversations, break down stigma, and remind those around us that mental health matters every day. If you have a friend or family member struggling, your support can make a real difference. Here’s how you can show up for your loved ones with compassion, patience, and practical help.
Start by Educating Yourself
Understanding mental health is the first step. Learn about common conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma—what they look like, how they affect daily life, and what treatment options exist. This knowledge helps you offer informed support and reduces the stigma that often surrounds mental health challenges. Reliable sources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Mental Health America, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer helpful guides and toolkits.
Reach Out and Check In
Sometimes, the hardest part for someone struggling is reaching out. Take the initiative—send a text, make a call, or invite them for a walk. Ask open-ended questions like, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “Is there anything you want to talk about?” The goal isn’t to fix their problems but to let them know they’re not alone. Even if they don’t want to talk, your effort shows you care.
Listen Without Judgment
When your loved one opens up, listen with empathy. Avoid interrupting, offering quick solutions, or minimizing their feelings. Phrases like “That sounds really tough” or “I’m here for you” go a long way. Sometimes, just being heard is what someone needs most.
Be Mindful of Your Language
Words matter. Avoid labels or phrases that could make your loved one feel ashamed or misunderstood. Instead of saying “You’re overreacting,” try “I can see this is really hard for you.” Supportive, nonjudgmental language helps create a safe space for honest conversation.
Encourage Professional Help—If They’re Ready
If your loved one is struggling, gently suggest professional support, like therapy, counseling, or a visit to their doctor. You might share your own positive experiences with mental health care, if you feel comfortable. Offer to help them find resources or go with them to an appointment, but respect their readiness and decisions.
Stay Consistently Connected
Support isn’t a one-time gesture. Check in regularly, even with a quick message or a coffee invitation. Ongoing connection helps your loved one feel valued and less isolated. Consistency builds trust and shows you genuinely care.
Encourage Self-Care and Model It Yourself
Remind your loved one to take care of themselves—whether that’s getting enough sleep, spending time outdoors, or enjoying a favorite hobby. Lead by example: prioritize your own mental health, too. When you model self-care, you show it’s both normal and important.
Offer Practical Help
Sometimes, mental health challenges make everyday tasks overwhelming. Offer specific help: “Can I pick up groceries for you?” or “Would you like to join me for a walk?” Small acts of kindness can ease their burden and show you’re there in tangible ways.
Share Resources
Keep a list of hotlines, local therapists, or online support groups handy. National resources like the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available 24/7 for immediate support.
Respect Their Boundaries
Everyone’s journey is different. If your loved one isn’t ready to talk or seek help, let them know you’re there whenever they are. Respect their privacy and choices, and avoid pushing them before they’re ready.
Supporting a loved one during Mental Health Awareness Month—and all year long—means being present, patient, and proactive. Your compassion can be a lifeline. If you or someone you care about needs additional support, Restore 360 offers personalized, holistic mental health care. Contact us to learn more about our services or to schedule a confidential assessment.
You’re not alone, and neither are your loved ones. Together, we can create a more supportive, stigma-free community—one conversation at a time.