Experiencing depression and anxiety can be terrifying, but more so when you do it alone.
Unfortunately the stigma around mental health means many people still struggle to speak about it or share with their loved ones.
And when they do, they are sometimes met with stumped looks or awkward silences.
This week is Mental Health Awareness week, and perhaps it’s a good time to think about some ways we can help our loved ones.
With the help of Stephen Buckley, head of information at UK’s largest mental health charity Mind, we’ve created a list of practical things you can do to help someone who might otherwise be struggling to cope.
Make them a brew and have a chat
Simply talking about feelings or concerns can help.
It may stop them from bottling up all their emotions and lets you know what is worrying them.
You don’t have to explicitly talk about mental health just check in on them, and listen.
Make sure you make an effort to always invite them out with you, or take them for coffee, even if they usually decline.
It lets them know that they have options and support.
Sending your friend a text asking how their day is going can help stop feelings of isolation.
Encourage them to seek help
Asking for help can be a scary step however Stephen thinks this is often vital, saying: “ You can reassure them that it is possible to do something to improve their situation, but you need to do so in a caring and sympathetic way.”
You could ask them if they would like you to:
- Help book an appointment with a GP
- Attend an appointment with them
- Explore sources of support together
Helping them with the chores
Anxiety and depression can make every day tasks feel insurmountable.
Making sure someone has milk in their fridge or clean clothes in the cupboard can create a stable environment. This simple practical support means that the person has one less thing to worry about.
- Help them go through their post and bills
- Make sure they have enough food in
- Encourage them to take care of themselves
- Clean their kitchen and create a nice living environment
- Cook them meals to heat up
Be patient and expect the ups and downs
Anxiety and depression are not always constant, so while someone may feel positive one day that does not mean they won’t feel down the next day.
Stephen said: “Try not to blame the person for feeling anxious or depressed, or tell them to ‘pull themselves together’.
“They are probably already blaming themselves, and criticism is likely to make them feel even worse.”
Don’t let them push you away
Someone with depression can be difficult to help.
Depression and anxiety are scary conditions, and can lead the sufferer to feeling frustrated and misunderstood.
If the person says something unkind to you try to understand this comes from a place of frustration rather than malice.
As with all the suggestions on this list not everything works for everybody so use your judgement as to whether it's appropriate or not.