Friends and Family

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Connections and relationships are a crucial part of wellness and living a good life

We all benefit from a strong support network to grow, learn and navigate life’s challenges. For those on a mental health recovery journey, the encouragement and understanding of family and friends can play a vital role in fostering resilience and wellbeing.

How can I tell if a family member or friend needs my support?

Every individuals experience with mental health is unique. It can be hard to know when someone close to you may be dealing with mental health stresses. So how can you help?

  • Look

    • Look out for signs they are not feeling themselves. You might notice your friend or family member being persistently sad, anxious or having mood swings. They may be withdrawing from loved ones and social activities. You might notices changes in appetite and weight, sleep patterns and decrease in self – care and personal hygiene. If you notice signs that are out of the ordinary, it might be time to gently check in. you can start by saying “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed a bit different lately. I care about you – do you want to talk about it?”

  • Listen

    • Listen to what they want to say. If they don’t want to talk, respect that and remind them that you are there if they change their mind. Allow the person you care about to talk through how they are feeling.. Validate their experience by saying something like “I hear you. You’re not overreacting – your feelings are real and valid.” Remind your friend or family member that your support is there for them. “I care about you, and I want to help in whatever way feels right for you.”

  • Find help together

    Find out if the person you care about is getting the support they need. If not, encourage them to seek professional support. It might be helpful to book an appointment to visit a GP together, contact a helpline, or research what support services might be available to them and assist them in completing the steps to find the right support.

What can I do to provide the best support to my family and friends?

We understand it’s not always easy seeing someone you care about in distress, and even harder if you are not sure how you can help. To provide your family and friends the best support its important to:

Educate yourself 

Educate yourself about mental health and wellbeing. Find out what can contribute to changes in mental health, how people can be supported, and know that people can and do recover. Learn about the different support services available and consider what might be best suitable for your family member or friend.

Look after yourself

It’s important to take care of yourself, especially when you are supporting someone else. Self-compassion, self – care and boundaries are all important ways to keep yourself mentally healthy and prevent carer burnout. Maintaining relationships and hobbies can also be protective barrier to look after yourself. Carer support and respite services can give you some time out to relax, look after yourself and live your own life.

Share

Share your experiences and insights with your social circle and community to foster understanding and support for family members, carers and friends.  By promoting open conversations, you can help break down stigma and create more inclusive environments. Consider taking a training course to build skills in creating supportive spaces and empowering people in their recovery and wellbeing.

Start your journey to recovery

Here at Richmind WA, our approach to support is based on you and your needs. When you’re ready to start your journey, contact our friendly team and help support a friend or family member, and yourself today.

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