Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstance. As a team of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) at Triumph Behavioral Health in Maryland, we have worked closely with individuals facing a wide spectrum of mental health concerns. Our clients work with us to manage conditions ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex diagnoses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. But one consistent theme that we see across the board is the profound impact of supportive relationships on recovery and wellness.
Tips to Support a Friend Struggling With Mental Health
If you have a friend who is struggling with their mental health, your support can truly make a difference. But it is not always easy to know what to say, how to act, or where your boundaries should lie. In today’s article, we offer practical, compassionate guidance to help you support a friend in need while also taking care of yourself.
#1: Recognize the Signs
Before you can effectively support a friend, it is important to recognize that they may be struggling. Mental health issues do not always look like what we see in movies or on social media. Sometimes, the signs of a mental health struggle are quite subtle. Here are some signals to keep an eye out for with those close to you:
Withdrawal from social activities or usual routines
Sudden changes in mood or personality
Expressing hopelessness or worthlessness
Changes in sleep or appetite
Increased use of substances like alcohol or drugs
Talking about feeling trapped or being a burden
If something feels off about your friend, trust your instincts. You do not need to be a mental health professional to offer genuine care and concern.
#2: Start the Conversation Gently
Many people worry about saying the wrong thing, but silence can often be more harmful than a well-intentioned question. When you approach a friend, do so with empathy and without judgment. Here are some ways to start a conversation:
“Hey, I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Do you want to talk about it?”
“I care about you and just wanted to check in. How are you really doing?”
“If you ever feel overwhelmed, I’m here for you. You’re not alone.”
Be prepared for them to be hesitant or even dismissive at first. That’s okay. Your willingness to listen without trying to fix them is already powerful.
#3: Listen More Than You Talk
When someone opens up about their mental health, it is natural to want to jump in with advice or reassurance – or even a story about when you faced a similar situation. But what most people need first is to feel heard. We like these tips for active listening:
Make eye contact and give them your full attention
Reflect back what you hear: “That sounds really tough.”
Avoid minimizing. Do not say “It could be worse” or “At least…”
Sometimes the best support is simply holding space for someone to feel their emotions without judgment.
#4: Encourage Seeking Professional Help
While your support is vital, you are not a substitute for a mental health professional. If your friend seems open, gently encourage them to seek help. You could say something like…
“Have you thought about talking to someone, like a therapist or counselor?”
“There’s no shame in getting help. It’s a sign of strength, not weakness.”
“If you ever want help finding someone to talk to, I can help you look.”
At Triumph Behavioral Health, we often work with individuals who were prompted by concerned friends and family to take action on improving their mental health. Your encouragement can be the catalyst someone needs to take that first brave step.
#5: Respect Their Boundaries and Readiness
Not everyone is ready to talk or seek help immediately. It’s important to respect their pace. Mental health recovery is not linear, and pressuring someone can sometimes cause them to shut down. Instead, keep showing up in small, consistent ways. Here are a few ideas:
Send a text just to say you’re thinking of them
Invite them for a walk or coffee, even if they’ve declined before
Let them know your door is always open
Your consistency helps break through the isolation that mental illness often brings.
#6: Know When It’s an Emergency
While most mental health struggles are manageable with the right support, there are times when more immediate intervention is needed, especially if your friend is talking about self-harm or suicide. Warning signs include:
Talking about wanting to die or harm oneself
Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
In these situations, it is crucial to take a person seriously. Stay with them if you can, whether that is on the phone or in person. If you believe someone is in imminent danger, you should call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. Here in Maryland, you can also contact local crisis lines like the Maryland Crisis Hotline: 1-800-422-0009.
#7: Take Care of Yourself, Too
Supporting a friend with mental health challenges can be emotionally taxing. It’s crucial that you don’t neglect your own well-being in the process. Here are a few self-care reminders:
Set boundaries when you need to
Don’t take responsibility for their recovery
Talk to someone yourself, whether that is a therapist, mentor, or support group
Know that it’s okay to take a step back if you’re feeling overwhelmed
Just as your friend deserves compassion, so do you.
#8: Stay Educated and Aware
Mental health literacy is an ongoing journey. The more you understand about conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder, the more confidently you can support those you care about. At Triumph Behavioral Health, we encourage community education and frequently offer workshops, webinars, and support groups. Do not hesitate to reach out to us if you’d like to learn more or attend a community event.
Get the Support You Need at Triumph Behavioral Health
Supporting a friend through a mental health struggle isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up with compassion, patience, and openness. Even when your words feel clumsy or your efforts feel small, they matter. If your friend is struggling, remind them (and yourself) that healing is possible. No one has to walk this road alone.
At Triumph Behavioral Health, we believe that everyone deserves access to tools that support their mental health. We are a team of specialists who support clients in the Baltimore County area and beyond. If you are looking for a therapist in Towson or mental health care in Arbutus, we are the ones to call. We have two offices, one in Linthicum Heights and one in Catonsville, and we can also see clients digitally. Our guiding principle is providing a listening ear and empathetic, rewarding services for our clients. You can trust that at Triumph, we care.
Get in touch with us today to schedule your same week therapy appointment.