5 Ways to Help Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health

5 Ways to Help Someone Struggling With Their Mental Health

Supporting someone who is experiencing mental health difficulties can feel overwhelming, but your presence and actions truly matter. You do not need to be an expert to help. Small, consistent acts of care can make a powerful difference.

Here are five practical, evidence-based ways to support someone who is struggling with their mental health.

1. Be Present and Stay Connected

One of the most helpful things you can do is simply be there.

How to support them day to day

• Listen without judgment: Allow them to talk freely. Avoid interrupting, or comparing their experiences to your own.
• Stay in touch: Answer their calls, messages, or WhatsApps. Feeling ignored can increase loneliness and distress.
• Be patient and kind: Mental health recovery takes time. Avoid criticism or “snap out of it” responses.
• Respect their privacy: Keep what they share confidential unless there is a serious risk to their safety.
• Offer practical help: Small acts—such as cooking, shopping, childcare, lifts, or financial help if appropriate—can reduce overwhelming stress.

2. Ask Open and Supportive Questions

Open-ended questions show care and encourage honest conversation.

Examples include:

• “How have you been feeling lately?”
• “What’s been hardest for you recently?”
• “What would feel most helpful right now?”

Avoid questions that sound interrogative or dismissive. The goal is understanding, not solutions.

3. Show Care, Reassurance, and Hope

People struggling with their mental health often feel like a burden or believe they are alone.

You can help by:

• Reassuring them that you care
• Letting them know they are not alone
• Reminding them that help is available

Simple statements like “I’m here for you” or “You matter to me” can be incredibly powerful.

4. Encourage Professional Support (When Needed)

You cannot replace professional help—but you can help someone access it.

Support options include: 

• GP (General Practitioner) – often the first step
• NHS Talking Therapies (previously called IAPTs) – many areas allow self-referral without seeing a GP
• Counsellors or psychotherapists – NHS or private

You can help by:

• Offering to find contact details
• Helping with forms or referrals
• Accompanying them to appointments if they wish

5. Educate Others and Reduce Stigma

Mental health stigma can prevent people from seeking help.

You can make a difference by:

• Challenging misinformation or stereotypes
• Encouraging open conversations at work or home
• Supporting inclusive, non-judgmental attitudes

Greater understanding leads to earlier support and better outcomes.

What If Their Beliefs Seem Unusual or Frightening?

Sometimes a person may experience the world very differently. This may include:

• Hearing voices
• Strong paranoia
• Delusional beliefs
• Mania or severe mood changes

In these situations, they may not recognise that they need help.

How to respond safely and compassionately

• Focus on feelings, not beliefs: For example: “That sounds really frightening” or “You seem very distressed.”
• Encourage medical support: Suggest seeing a GP or mental health professional as soon as possible.
• Do not confirm or argue about beliefs: Avoid agreeing just to keep the peace, but also avoid confrontation. You might say: “I understand that’s how it feels for you, but I don’t see it the same way.”

If you believe there is immediate risk, seek urgent professional help.

Final Thoughts

You do not need all the answers to help someone with their mental health. Listening, kindness, patience, and encouragement can save lives.

Your support could be the reason someone feels safe enough to keep going.

Other Resources

BBC – How to help someone with mental health problem
NHS – Mental health support and services