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HOW TO
HELP A
FIREND
WITH A MENTAL ILLNESS
Having a strong and supportive network of friend when suffering with a mental illness can play an important role during the recovery process. When someone you know is diagnosed with a mental illness it is sometimes hard to know how to help and comfort them. It’s important to remember that a mental illness is not a choice and they cannot just ‘snap out of it’.
Use this chart created by the University of Michigan to help know how your words can help or hurt.
WHAT HELPS
WHAT HURTS
I know you have a real illness and that’s what causes these thoughts and feelings.
It’s all in your head.
I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.
We all go through times like this.
You are important to me. Your life is important to me.
You have so much to live for-- why do you want to die?
Tell me what I can do now to help you
What do you want me to do?
I can’t do anything about your situation.
You might not believe it now, but the way you’re feeling will change.
Just snap out of it.
Look on the bright side.
You are not alone in this. I’m here for you.
You’ll be fine. Stop worrying.
Talk to me. I’m listening.
Here’s my advice…
I am here for you. We will get through this together.
What’s wrong with you?
Shouldn’t you be better by now?
Tips on how to help a friend with a mental illness.
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Show your support. This can be done by expressing concern, being sympathetic, talking openly and making sure your friend knows that they are not facing this battle alone.
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Listen: Don’t change the subject when your friend brings up their mental illness. Do not share any personal information they disclose with you, however if they talk about suicide tell a professional and get help.
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Ask what you can do to help: Ask open questions such as “how can I best support you?” or more specific questions such as “can I help you study?”
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Reassurance: Reassure your friend that you care about them, continue to involve them in activities such as going out to dinner or studying. Even though they might not always accept your offer it is important for them to know that you still care about them.
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Education: educate yourself on your friend’s disorder so you can help them through tough times and offer extra specific support.
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Support your friend’s healthy behaviours: be their biggest supporter when it comes to healthy behaviours such as getting enough sleep, taking their medication or exercising.
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Take care of yourself: when you are helping a friend who has a mental illness it can sometimes become stressful and overwhelming. It is important to take care of yourself and remain mentally healthy.
"When 'I' becomes 'WE'
even illness becomes
wellness"
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