Overview

If you are close to someone with a mental health condition, you're probably wondering how to best help them. Maintaining a good relationship with them is one way. But this may feel tough at times, especially when the illness makes it harder for your loved one to manage their emotions and behaviours. Here are some things that you can do to help keep your relationship healthy.

• Learn about the condition.

  Understanding the condition can help you strengthen your relationship. It can help you let go of any blame or false beliefs you might have about the condition.

• Separate your loved one from the condition.

  Try not to focus too much on the illness. Instead, focus on the things you love and enjoy about the person.

• Make it safe for your loved one to talk to you.
  • Practice listening. Ask to hear their point of view. Listen closely to what they say. It's often better not to offer your opinion or advice unless asked. When you do, be thoughtful about your loved one's feelings.
  • Manage how you react. For example, stay calm and try to avoid arguing. If you're feeling too emotional, take some time alone before talking.
  • Try to empathize with them. You may not always agree with them. But you might let them know that you care about how they feel.
• Offer to help when you can.

  Ask your loved one how you can be most helpful. If you can, talk to your loved one's doctor or counsellor about how you can help. Try not to assume you know what your loved one needs.

• Have fun together.

  Do something you both enjoy. You could do things like watch a movie, play a game, or spend time outdoors.

• Build a support system.

  Make sure you both have others you can talk to and lean on. This could be supportive family, close friends, a faith leader, or a mental health support group.

• Care for yourself.

  Being in a relationship with someone who has a mental health condition can be very hard and tiring at times. Caring for your physical and emotional health can help.

  • Find a counsellor for yourself. Counselling can give you tools to help manage stress. You also can learn how to build healthy boundaries with your loved one. You can ask your doctor for a referral.
  • Get enough sleep, eat a variety of healthy foods, and get regular exercise.
  • Practice healthy coping skills, like meditation or deep breathing.
  • Take time to yourself to recharge. You could take a hot bath, go for a walk, or spend time with friends.

Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away.

• Call Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (4 p.m. to midnight ET).
• Kids or teens can call Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
• Go to the Talk Suicide Canada website at https://talksuicide.ca or the Kids Help Phone website at https://kidshelpphone.ca for more information.

Consider saving these numbers in your phone.