How to Talk to Someone Who Has a Mental Illness

One in every five adults experiences mental health problems that tear them apart. Whenever you know someone who’s suffering from a mental illness, you need to become a little more careful with what you say to them, and how you behave around them.

No matter how many books on mental health you read, there will be some things that you will only learn from experience. To help you out, we have put together some tips for when you speak to someone who is suffering from inner turmoil.

Let’s begin.

Make Time for Them

Don’t brush past them and offer a simple hello, make sure you take time out for them, let them know you care, and give them their due time. People with mental illness often feel that they are isolated from everyone else, and don’t matter as much. They feel validated and assured when someone spends time with them meaningfully.

Don’t Offer Unsolicited Advice

We get it – everyone’s just trying to help, but nobody knows what the person is going through unless you are experiencing it firsthand. Make sure you don’t tell them how to get up and change their lives; chances are they’re already trying, but are unable to do it successfully.

Make it a point to not offer any advice or suggest anything that might make it sound like they aren’t trying enough.

Ask Them

It’s important to establish how they’re doing. Don’t bring up their problems or struggles, but make sure to always ask how they’re doing. Always ask if they need anything, and make sure you help where and when you can.

Inquire About Their Interests

When you’re making plans to meet up with a friend or family member that might need a little extra affection and attention from you, ask them what they feel like doing. Maybe all they want is to sit at home and talk to you, while you’re planning to take them out bowling. Be considerate, and give them the upper hand in making their own decisions.

You can always learn more about mental health, and how to deal with these issues in relationships with Luis Trivino’s new book, A Notebook of Love. He is a war veteran, turned writer who writes about bipolar disorder, PTSD, and a lot more in his book. Buy A Notebook of Love online, today!