What Is The Best Way To Help A Loved One With A Mental Illness?

The honest answer?

YOU CAN'T.

This seems like a fairly abrupt and dismissive response I know, but let me give you some context.

You absolutely CAN and SHOULD support your loved ones as much as you possibly can to ensure that they know you're there for them and that you've got their back.

In terms of them overcoming their struggles and beginning to make real progress - this is something that MUST come from within.

I tore myself apart with this when my girlfriend was in a really dark place. I thought I was being so helpful by suggesting things and trying to help her come up with ideas to feel better.

I WAS WRONG.

Unfortunately, more often than not it takes an event or an incident to spark a reaction in someone to create a positive change. In our case, it could have been fatal and luckily it wasn't.

As I mentioned in a previous article earlier in the week, awareness is the first step. Any individual that is struggling has to be self-aware and acknowledge that there is an issue there. This is absolutely crucial and is something that they have to realise on their own. You pointing this out is only likely to frustrate or upset them.

Once they've realised this, they are in a position to begin making the necessary changes that can/will result in them improving their overall mental state.

As I've said previously, this advice is based on my own previous experience and may not completely resonate with everyone who reads it. Any suggestions or feedback you may have is very welcome so please feel free to comment.