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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, here are my tips for supporting friends/family members/teammates/bosses who are struggling:
1. Sometimes you don't know some1 is struggling. Sending a text, "thinking of you. Thanks for being such a great ___" can go a long way for someone who is privately struggling.
2. Don't make it about you. If someone is sharing a painful story, don't immediately share a story that was also painful to you. "I'm here to help you get through this. How can I be helpful right now?"
3. Solutions aren't always the answer. "Go for a run-you'll feel better!" is not always helpful, even if its helpful for you.
4. Lead with empathy, even if the person is being "rude" or short with you. "You are dealing with so much. I'm here for you. How can I support you through this?"
5. Proactively support them. Give them an extra day off, take care of car service, drop off groceries with a note, stay on Facetime with them, etc.
6. Refrain from sharing your opinions on things like therapy & medication. "Personally, I don't believe in..." Instead say, "Im proud of you for taking HUGE STEPS towards feeling better."
7. Finally, anxiety and depression are real & are debilitating. Sometimes simply brushing one's teeth can feel impossible. Just because you can't understand it or haven't experiences it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Don't be flippant. Listen with an open heart.
