It can be incredibly difficult to watch a family member or loved one struggle with mental health issues without feeling helpless and unable to do anything. It’s important, however, to focus on how you can make a huge difference in your loved one’s life – not just by offering emotional support but also practical help that could lead the person toward a healthier mindset.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how families can actively support their loved ones struggling with mental health issues and outline tips for helping them get back on track. By taking the time to understand what works best for them and approach these situations compassionately and consciously, families can be an invaluable source of care when it comes to aiding those living with mental illness.
Reach out to your loved one and let them know you’re there to support them
Now more than ever is an important time to reach out to your loved ones and make sure they know you care. It can be difficult for many of us to reach out, as we all tend to be hard-wired to go it alone when we’re struggling. Yet doing so doesn’t have to be a weakness – when done right, it strengthens relationships and reinforces our commitment that living life together doesn’t just mean the good moments; it also means shouldering the bad. So let them know you’re there for them and listen during this trying moment in history – by doing so you are showing your love and care for them.
Research available mental health resources and treatments
To better address our mental health needs, it’s important to be aware of what resources and treatments are available. Taking breathwork training and certification is one excellent resource you can research and learn to help your loved one deal with mental health issues. This approach has also gained traction recently due to many testimonials supporting its effectiveness. Breathwork is a form of breath-centered body-mind psychotherapy as well as a powerful self-development practice that helps you create profound personal transformations.
It guides your breath, breath pattern, visualization, and intention, integrated into breath cycles of awareness and emotion. Many people find breathwork to be an effective way to increase their inner strength and resilience; if you are looking for new ways to support yourself emotionally, breathwork could be worth exploring.
Talk about it with your loved one openly and without judgment
The importance of open and authentic communication with your loved one is often overlooked when strengthening relationships. Whether sharing a heartfelt confession or simply venting to a trusted companion, having someone who truly understands and listens non-judgmentally can do wonders for your mental health. If a disagreement arises, speak constructively to understand each other’s perspectives better and foster mutual understanding and respect. Ultimately, regularly engaging in dialogue will allow you to develop an even closer connection with your partner, enriching your relationship and strengthening your bond.
Learn about what your loved one is going through
Taking the time to learn about what your loved one is going through and lending a supportive, listening ear can make a difference and let them know you care. Sometimes just being there, even in an online capacity, can show your loved one that they have the support they need. A little empathy goes a long way – allowing the person to express their feelings without judgment and compassionately validating them can help them get through not only difficult times but also the everyday moments when they need someone by their side.
Learning to recognize your own emotions, too – both positive and negative – will also allow you to be more present as a listener as well as be able to share your own experiences if appropriate.
Find ways to build their resilience and self-care habits
Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for anyone hoping to progress on their personal or professional goals. One key strategy to achieve this is building resilience and self-care habits. Resilience allows us to be mindful and aware of our mental health through stressful situations, while self-care habits give us the much-needed outlets for taking care of ourselves in ways that matter. These habits don’t need to take up huge chunks of time; even small changes can significantly impact how well we look after ourselves.
Whether it’s scheduling an afternoon run, trying out an online yoga class, committing to reading a novel every month, or inviting friends over for dinner once a week, try creating some adapted routines that will help you refuel and gain the energy you need to continue tackling your goals.
Taking care of a loved one’s mental health can be a challenging journey, but it is a journey that can bring great rewards. Not only can we learn more about what they are going through, but the solutions we offer them and the support we provide can also make a huge difference in their life. Showing up for your loved one at this moment and providing emotional support is likely the best thing you can do. They don’t have to go through their struggles alone; you have the power to be there as they heal and grow. So reach out and let them know they’re not alone – that your love and support will always be there.
