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Supporting a Friend or Family Member with a Mental Illness

How can I help?

Research confirms that support from family and friends is a key part of helping someone who is going through a mental illness. This support provides a network of practical and emotional help. These networks can be made up of parents, children, siblings, spouses or partners, extended families, close friends and others who care about us like neighbours, coworkers, coaches and teachers. Some people have larger networks than others, but most of us have at least a few people who are there for us when we need them. There are a number of major ways that family and friends can help in someones journey of recovery from a mental illness:

Knowing when something is wrong—or right: Getting help early is an important part of treating mental illness. Family and friends are often the first ones to notice that something is wrong. See below How do I know when to help? for signs to watch for. Finding a treatment that works is often a process of trial and error, so family members may also be the first to see signs of improvement.

Seeking help: Families and friends can be important advocates to help loved ones get through those hard, early stages of having a mental illness. They can help their loved one find out what treatment is best for them. They can also be key in letting professionals know whats going on, filling in parts of the picture that the person whos ill may not be well enough to describe on their own.

Supporting a healthy lifestyle: Families can also help with day-to-day factors such as finances, problem solving, housing, nutrition, recreation and exercise, and proper sleeping habits.

Providing emotional support: You can play an important role in helping someone whos not feeling well feel less alone and ashamed. They are not to blame for their illness, but they may feel that they are, or may be getting that message from others. You can help encourage hope.

How do I know when to help - some signs that a friend or family member may have a mental illness and could need your help are:
- They suddenly no longer have interest in hobbies and other interests they used to love
- They seem to feel angry or sad for little or no reason
- They dont seem to enjoy anything anymore
- They have told you about or seem to be hearing strange voices or having unsettling thoughts
- They seem emotionally numb, like they dont feel anything anymore
- They used to be healthy, but now theyre always saying they feel a bit sick
- They eat a lot more or less than they used to
- Their sleep patterns have changed
- They seem to be anxious or terrified about situations or objects in life that seem normal to you and to others
- Theyve been missing more and more time from work or school
- Theyve been drinking heavily and/or using drugs to cope
- They are talking about taking their life or feeling hopeless
- They are avoiding their close friends and family members

What are ways that you can help or others can help you?

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