Encouragement
Encouragement is one way we can provide emotional support for someone who has a mental illness, as they seek to regain control over their life and feel empowered to deal with life’s stresses.
Supporting a Person with Mental Illness
Nearly one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness (National Institute of Mental Health, 2022). Sometimes, we have a hard time knowing what to say or how to talk to someone about their mental health. Here are some tips to guide the conversation.
Types of Support for Mental and Emotional Health
It’s important to seek professional treatment for a diagnosed mental health condition, but it’s equally important to identify other sources of support to complement that treatment. Here are some suggestions.
Building a Support Network
Having a good support system can build you up, keep you strong, and help you move forward when times are tough. Your support network can be made up of family members, close friends, trusted clergy, or community leaders, for example. Read more about ways to build your support network.
Support for Family Members
When someone is having a hard time managing the symptoms of a mental illness, it can be hard on the family. In this section you’ll find ways to take care of yourself so you can be a source of strength and support for your loved one.
Mental Health Apps
Technology makes it easy to access mental health care, information, and apps. But choosing the right mental health app can be overwhelming, so we’ve narrowed the list for you. Here, you can explore a variety of mental health apps that may be helpful as another support tool.
Books on Mental Health
Reading is a great way to relax and discover new information. We’ve put together a list of books on mental health that we think you’ll find useful. Whether you’re looking for ways to talk with a young child about feelings, tips for improving communication with your teen, or books you can personally connect with, we’ve got you covered.
Stories of Hope
Hearing from others who are on a mental health journey can offer strength and reassurance for your own journey. We share stories of struggle and victories. It helps to keep that glimmer of hope alive. Read personal stories here.
Volunteer
If you or someone you know has experienced mental health challenges, you are over the age of 18, and you’re interested in volunteering, check out the opportunity to be a trained mental health navigator, responding to people who call for help finding mental health resources.