How to Support a Friend With Mental Illness

Supporting a friend with depression or any other mental illness can be challenging, but it’s incredibly important. In this video, we explore compassionate and practical ways to be there for someone who’s struggling with their mental health. We’ll discuss how to offer emotional support, communicate effectively, and create a safe space for them to express their feelings.

In this video, we’ll explore some ways you can support a friend who’s dealing with mental health challenges. We’ll talk about understanding what they might be going through and share some friendly tips on how to offer help in a caring and respectful way. Hopefully, you’ll find some ideas on how to make a positive impact on their life and strengthen your friendship through empathy and support.

#mentalhealth #depression #mentalillness #mentalhealthawareness

Disclaimer: This video is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content provided should not be used to diagnose or treat any mental health conditions. For professional guidance, please consult a qualified mental health professional.

Researcher/ Writer: Halak Pandya
Editor: Caitlin McColl
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Animator: Ria Javellana
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

Disclaimer: This video is for informative purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Please do seek qualified mental health professional to support your own journey.

References
Goleman, D. (2020). Emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.

[igi-risu]

As someone who suffers from both depression and anxiety among other ailments, I understand just how debilitating they can be. That’s why I do my best to check in, be kind and extend grace.

However there are moments where I feel overwhelmed and have to step back and focus on myself because I’ve had people attempt to use me as a therapist as opposed to treating me as a friend.

I have so much love and care for others but when it gets to the point where things negatively impact MY wellbeing, I hold space with myself to recharge and regulate.

Regardless, I’m sending love and light to anyone who feels unheard, invalidated and are fighting silent battles. Remember that you are loved, valued, and cared for.❤️

[SuperGoose]

Most of my friends have depression. I've been the "therapist friend" of my friend group(s) for years and it's becoming exhausting. There isn't much I can do to improve each of their lives, but the weight of it all brings me down so much

I feel bad withdrawing but sometimes I just don't have it in me to be emotionally available for everyone

[trinaq]

Thank you so much for this video. I've struggled with my mental health in the past, which has given me empathy for my friends who have been struggling in similar areas. The best thing to do is to listen to their thoughts as a sounding board, and not to judge them.

[theyeszenmama]

**hugs all the depressed people in the world**

[timbartschwolfman]

My Girlfriend suffers from Mental Illness
She had a Bad Childhood
She is getting the Help she needs and my Family and I were able to get her help
She's right now focusing on her Mental Health, she is getting the right treatments and i still support and love her

[cicakkukus]

I learn this so I can treat myself. That's what REVERSE CURSE TECHNIQUE

[ChiChi_]

Video Highlights:

0:30 - Talk
2:04 - Professionals
2:55 - Patience
3:42 - Needs
4:44 - Positivity
5:40 - Inclusiveness
6:33 - Research
7:08 - Set Limits

[tiffiniloveeee]

As someone with mental illness the one thing that I could never tolerate is someone using toxic positivity and being dismissive of my struggles by saying things like “mental health does not exist” “it’s all in your head.” To me that sounds like shaming language, as if I’m being gaslighted into thinking that it’s my fault for being mentally ill and I’m just being weak. These types of people think they’re helping you, but they’re really not. The insistence on being positive all the time will only make things worse.

[lt]

My best friend of 4 years suddenly stopped being friends with me. She wouldn’t say why, so i had to force the reason out of her. Turns out it was because i had depression, something she couldn’t deal with, even though i tried my very best to mask and act happy. I appreciate this video so much, everyone should watch this ❤

[ChemicallyCosmic]

Target Audience: I want to help my friend!

Actual Audience: “I have crippling depression”

[LukasWeeke]

I'm suffering from ADD and MDD myself and looking at my circle of friends I see a pattern of ADD, MDD, Autism and cPTSD. Support is not easy if everyone is suffering, but the understanding might be easier than for those who don't struggle themselves. But we got that. ❤

[annarekward]

My sis and I have added & depression that we inherited from our Mum, and when all 3 of us figured out that having someone in the same room as you when you wanted to do chores helped, we called it having your 'designated human'. It's really wonderful. 😊

[Axexa-]

i wish i had friends who are actually caring

[karenbaird]

Never tell a depressed person they ungrateful or selfish or a bad Christian

[JovannaMirelez]

I’ve helped my friend with depression i was thankfully already mindful of these things

[Itz_leo]

I am helping a grieving friend and this video helped me so much

[samikshatripathi]

I'm dealing, with anxiety, ADHD, nd chronic loneliness... Nd I'm watching this..not only to help others but to help myself too...❤thank you for this...be kind to others, but don't forget yourself too... :)

[ChandrimaMitra-btux]

Well i have a friend(s) group and there i am the "therapist friend" well none of them have depression or any mental illness but i still help overcome sadness whenever they are feeling down or sad.
I am mostly emotionally available for calming my friends and listen to there problem and reason for there sense of feeling sadness or depression but sometimes i am not emotionally available becuz i sometimes feel down....but thankfully my friends respect my privacy and give me time to calm down and be normal again.

[outrider]

We need to normalise hugs and stuff. As someone not mentally the most stable I want to help others as much as possible.

[VioletWilliams-zo]

I’ve been the support for my boyfriend for almost half a year now, been studying phycology, helping others when they need it most is what makes me happy, seeing people with a genuine smile on their faces is what makes me smile, but it really hurts when I am there for someone but unfortunate events come one after the other and just beat down the person and/or people I’m trying to help, not because it requires more work to help them, but because it can make some people think things will never get better