How to support someone through mental health recovery
Supporting someone with mental health issues can often be a long-term commitment. As their journey evolves and changes, your support will need to as well.
Here are some strategies to support you in providing effective, sustainable care over time for someone experiencing mental health issues.
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Monitor their progress
Regularly checking in with a person you’re supporting is key to providing ongoing support.
Mental health journeys are rarely linear. There will be ups and downs. Being attentive to these changes can help you respond.
- Look for signs of improvement or regression. Are they improving and showing more stability, or do they still appear to be in distress? If you know where a person is at, you will understand how to support them next.
- Have regular gentle check-ins. Ask them how they’re doing and listen carefully to their response. You might notice shifts in their mood, energy levels, or willingness to engage with others. It's not about making them feel watched, but about showing you're still there to help as things change.
Adjust your support strategies
As a person’s needs evolve, so should your approach to supporting them.
Flexibility is essential to long-term care, as mental health can change over time.
- Modify your approach. If one support strategy isn’t working, be willing to try something new. For example, if offering resources doesn’t seem helpful, perhaps more active listening or simply spending time with them is what they need.
- Try new ways to cope. Encourage trying new coping strategies like meditation, journaling, physical activity or different kinds of support. Make sure they feel comfortable trying out what works best for them.
Seek help when it’s needed
Seeking help from a mental health professional can be a very important step in someone’s recovery. Knowing when and how to refer them to a mental health professional can make all the difference.
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Knowing when you need help yourself as a supporter is also important.
Learn more about taking care of yourself as you care for others -->
- Decide when to involve professionals. If the mental health of the person you’re supporting isn’t improving, or if you see signs like persistent sadness, more anxiety, or withdrawal from you and others, it might be time to suggest they get professional help. Watch for behaviours that suggest they’re struggling to cope, such as difficulty functioning in day-to-day life or turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Start the conversation. Beginning the conversation about seeing a professional can be daunting. It’s important to approach it with care. You might say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been feeling down for a while now. It might be helpful to talk to a professional who can provide the right kind of support.” Be mindful of their emotions and listen to their concerns without judgment.
- Reassure them. Often, people feel uncertain or fearful about seeking help. They may worry about being judged, not know what to expect or think they won’t be understood. Offer reassurance by normalising the process. Let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that professionals are trained to listen without judgment. You can say something like, “Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through might make things feel more manageable.”
- Offer practical help. If they’re open to the idea of seeking professional help, assist them with finding the right place or person. You can offer to help them research therapists or mental health services, or to book an appointment if they’re feeling overwhelmed. If they’re anxious about going to the first session, you might offer to accompany them for support – whether it’s sitting in the waiting room ready with a smile or helping them prepare questions to ask during their appointment.
- Know the right professionals to suggest. Mental health support comes in different forms. Counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and GPs can all play roles in someone’s mental health care. Help them explore these options so they can find the right fit. You can explain the roles of each, such as “A psychologist can help with therapy and strategies for coping, while a GP can help you find the right specialist or discuss medications if needed.”
