Photo by Riccardo: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-on-gray-rock-near-body-of-water-185801/
Everybody struggles with their mental health at one point in their life! We all have moments when we are feeling very happy and positive, and then other times, we have moments where we are feeling sad and low. It’s important to know that if you are going through a low period in your life, you are not alone and that other people are feeling exactly how you are.
If you have people around you who are going through a hard time, it’s important that you are there for them and support them where you can. This can be by talking to them, going out and enjoying their favourite hobbies or ensuring they have everything for their day-to-day needs - do they need a folding electric wheelchair to get out? Do they feel comfortable engaging with others in a social event? Do they have any medication with them that they may need to take?
Below we look into three ways you can help your loved ones if they are struggling with their mental health.
Talk to them
Having someone to talk to is sometimes all somebody needs to feel better about themselves. A problem shared is a problem halved, and that couldn’t be any more truer. By talking to them, you can let them know they are not alone and try to support them with any help they may need. At face value, you may not think you can help them, but when you start talking, you find out there are many ways you can.
Do something they enjoy with them
Hobbies are great for helping your mental health. They allow you to meet new people, forget about your everyday stresses and you’ll have fun taking part in it. If you know your loved one is struggling with their mental health, try to encourage them to go out and enjoy one of their favourite hobbies. To make it even easier for them, you can take part in their hobby with them (even though you may not be very good at it). A hobby can be anything from puzzles to singing or painting.
Support them with their struggles
Is your loved one struggling with anything that may be causing their mental health to deteriorate? A lot of older people struggle because they don’t feel comfortable leaving their homes, which you could help with. If your loved one has a disability, you may be able to help them with this, such as using a wheelchair to take them on a journey outside. By finding out what their struggles are, there is always a way you can help and comfort them.
We hope our guide has given you some consideration. What tips would you recommend that are useful when helping a loved one who is struggling with their mental health? Which of the suggestions above did you find most useful? Is there anything missing in our guide that you think we should be adding? Let us know in the comment box below, we look forward to hearing from you.