Seeking help for a mental health problem

How can you help someone else seek help?

• By listening to them and offering support

• By ignoring their problems

• By telling them to handle it themselves

• By making fun of their situation

What can you do if someone doesn't want your help?

• Insist on helping them

• Respect their decision but make it known you're there for them if/when they're ready for your support

• Ignore them

• Force your help on them

Which of the following are things you can do to help someone with their mental health?

• Listen to them without judgment

• Encourage them to seek professional help

• Ignore their feelings

• Distract them with unrelated activities

There are lots of practical things you can do to support someone who is ready to seek help. Which of the following is not an appropriate way to support someone?

• Help them organize their thoughts or questions they should ask

• Go to appointments with them if (even if just waiting outside) if it gives them comfort.

• Try to research what mental health condition they have and try to guide them through treatment

• Listen to their problems and concerns with compassion and helping to problem solve barriers to their support

Answer explanation

You are NOT a doctor. While it is great to learn about mental health conditions to be an advocate, you do not get to diagnose or try to pinpoint their condition. That takes more than some internet searches to do, and often time takes a lot of time and effort for medical professionals to narrow down the possible conditions until they are confident they know the condition, triggers, risk factors, and best course of treatment.

Talking to someone you trust about how you're feeling is important because:

• It helps you process your emotions.

• It makes you feel more isolated.

• It is a waste of time.

• It causes more stress.

Setting boundaries can help when supporting someone else by:

• Ensuring personal well-being

• Increasing dependency

• Avoiding communication

• Ignoring the person's needs

Which is NOT a step to support a friend who might be struggling with mental health?

• Notice the signs

• Use the V-A-R method

• support yourself when supporting your friends

• tell them you know how they feel

Mental health can be supported through online resources as long as it is a reputable and trusted source.

• True

• False