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Ways to be a support system for your friend with mental health problems

Everyone experiences tough times at different points in their lives. Having people around us during such difficult moments could make the situation easier to bear. You may have been worried about the mental health of your friend who has not been themselves for some time.

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It might even be more challenging especially when you don’t know how to be a support system for them. In this article, you will learn some tips on being a support system for your friend who is experiencing mental health issues.

Educate yourself on mental health

One of the ways on how to be a support system is to learn more about mental health. It may be difficult for you to help your friend if you have little or no knowledge of what mental health means. You can learn about common mental illnesses like depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc.

It is also crucial to know the signs of various mental health problems so that you can tell which one your friend is suffering from. When you know what mental health problems entail, it becomes easier to be empathetic with them.

Be patient with them

If you know someone dealing with mental health problems, it is important to be patient with them. One of the mistakes that people make is that they set unrealistic expectations when their loved one is going through a hard time.

However, you need to realize that not everyone would get better at a fast rate. Some people need a longer time to recuperate, and it is important not to put them under undue pressure.

Listen to them

When your friend needs a listening ear, ensure that you are there to hear them out. Some people with mental health problems may need someone to confide in, and it is important to give them the benefit of trust that you will be there for them.

Encourage them to seek professional help

When you have been able to establish a good rapport with your loved one who has mental health issues, advise them to go for professional therapy. This will be instrumental in restoring their mental health to normalcy.

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