Find tips on how to support a friend or family member coping with mental health difficulties
How do I support someone else?
It can be really difficult watching someone you care for struggling. It might be that you want to help, but you're not quite sure how or where to start.
Often, the best thing you can do to begin with is try to start an open conversation. Time to Change is a community dedicated to improving mental health and offer advice on how to do this.
Find tips on how to start a conversation with someone
When they begin to open up, you might find that they talk to you about things that are bothering them. Sometimes, it might be that they’re having an off day, or that they feel stressed because of something at work or in their personal life.
It’s normal to have these moments, and talking about them can help relieve that pressure.
If they feel that they need to talk to a care professional, let them know that there is support available to them, such as:
- Their GP
- Through Talking Therapies
- Befriending services (such as Friends in Need, Sport in Mind)
- Samaritans, by calling 116 123
If you would like to find out more about supporting someone else with their mental health, you can find guidance from different charities:
The charity Mind offer information and advice about types, causes and impact of different mental health challenges
Rethink provide help and support if you’re living with mental health challenges
Support for carers
If you're a carer, or you know a carer that might need help, you can find more details about local and national charities and groups on our website.