1. Understand what they’re experiencing 

It is important to understand what the person is currently struggling with. For mental illnesses, this may include what it entails & how it affects them. For example, depression is not just feeling sad or down, it is a mental health condition that can disable a person and lead to symptoms such as not being able to eat healthily, suffering from insomnia or hypersomnia and not caring for their living conditions. Learning about the symptoms of their condition and the available treatments is crucial to helping you better understand what your loved one is going through & how you can support them.

2. Lend an Ear 

People experiencing a mental rough patch can feel extremely down, as if everything in their life is going in the worst way possible. So, one of the most important things you can do is to be there for them, patiently listen & reassure them that everything will be alright. Allow them to express their feelings & emotions without interruption or criticism. Validate their feelings & let them know that you are there for them. Sometimes just being there to listen can make a big difference. 

3.  Encourage Them To Professional Help

People can find it extremely hard to take a step towards seeking professional help as they may be convinced that it is shameful & embarrassing to reach out for help, or that their issue will resolve itself eventually. In extreme cases, it can take a person years, if not decades, to reach out for help. Therefore, it can be extremely helpful to encourage your loved one to seek help from a mental health professional such as a therapist or psychiatrist. You can even offer to help them find a healthcare provider or accompany them to appointments.

4.  Offer practical help

Struggling with mental illnesses can make even the simplest tasks seem overwhelming, even brushing their teeth or getting out of bed can seem like a monumental challenge. Offer to help them with practical things like cooking, cleaning, or running errands. Small gestures as such can ensure their physical wellbeing & aid them on their road to recovery. 

5.  Patience, patience, patience

Recovery from anything takes time, so be patient with them. They may not be able to function as they used to or enjoy life as much as you’d like them to. Understand that people can be affected differently and they need time to navigate their situations. 

All in all, these are just my own tips on how to help your loved ones out based on my experience of going through a rough patch in my life & my attempts to care for the people around me. Also, if it seems like caring for others is emotionally tiring you out, please remember it is okay to take a step back. Finally, here are some places you can reach out to if you need support: