How to Support a Loved One Struggling with Mental Health

Watching someone you love struggle with their mental health is agonizing. You might feel powerless, not knowing what to say or do, or fear making things worse. These are natural feelings—and you’re not alone.

The silver lining is that your support will bear fruit. You can be the source of stability, comfort, and hope. Here’s how to be supportive of a person in a way that’s respectful, healing, and helpful.

1. Listen Without Trying to Fix

One of the most powerful things you can do is simply listen. Not to solve the problem. Not to offer advice. Simply to listen. Sit with their words and emotions, even if they’re painful.

Attempt to say:

“I’m here for you.”

“That sounds really hard—thank you for trusting me.”

“You don’t have to do this alone.”

Don’t minimize their experience (“It could be worse,” “Just think positive”) or leap to solutions. What they may need most is not answers, but empathy.

2. Educate Yourself About Mental Health

Learning more about what your loved one is experiencing can help you understand the world from their perspective and reduce unintentional harm. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or something else—knowledge replaces judgment with compassion.

Explore:

Respected mental health websites (NAMI, Mental Health America, etc.)

Podcasts or books by mental health professionals or advocates

Online support groups for family and friends

3. Encourage, But Don’t Force, Professional Help

Encouraging therapy, support groups, or medical treatment gently can be helpful—but don’t push or shame. Let them move at their own pace, but with consistent support.

You can say:

“Have you thought about talking to someone about how you’re feeling?”

“If you ever need assistance finding a therapist, I’d be happy to help you.”

“No shame in seeking assistance—just as we would for any sickness.”

4. Check In—Regularly and Authentically

A simple “How are you really doing?” can do wonders. Even if they don’t respond, it reminds them someone cares. If they’ve gone silent, don’t take it personally—they may be suffering in silence. Your steady presence matters more than you realize.

5. Take Care of Yourself, Too

Supporting someone with mental illness can be exhausting. You’ll feel frustrated, anxious, or burnt out. It’s normal. You need to set boundaries and prioritize your own mental health, too.

How to protect your own well-being:

Get therapy or counseling for yourself

Prioritize your own self-care habits

Set boundaries when needed without guilt

You can’t pour from an empty cup—and you don’t have to carry it alone.

6. Remember: Progress Isn’t Linear

There may be good days and bad days. Setbacks don’t mean failure, and recovery rarely looks like a straight line. Celebrate the small victories—getting out of bed, going to therapy, reaching out—and be patient when things feel stuck.

You’re Making a Difference

If you’re coming in with love, patience, and compassion—you’re already doing something wonderful. Mental illness can make you feel so isolated, but your presence can make it a little less isolating. You being there reminds your loved one: they don’t have to go through it alone.

So if you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, Am I doing enough?—know this: your love is enough. Your actions are enough. You’re enough 

If you would like to see how we can help, book a FREE 10 minute intake call here: Contact – Psychotherapist, Marriage Counselor, LMFT: NYC, Manhattan (embracingjoy.com)