Stress is a part of being alive, there is no avoiding it. And that's okay. What’s not okay is not taking care of your mental health. It shows that you care to do what is needed because the environment you create makes a difference to your well-being.

SupportO is here to help you understand how you can help yourself and others around you to create happiness, calm and positivity. Most importantly, we explain how to help someone who is struggling with anxiety or depression.

Download our app to find out more about us and take the first steps towards healing and mental wellness. We guide you every step of the way.


How to Help Someone Who Has Anxiety or Depression

Mood disorders such as anxiety and depression can be daunting to deal with, both for the person going through them and their family members. Yes, supporting someone with mental health issues can be difficult, and it may end up being the hardest challenge of your life but this challenge requires you to be patient, understanding, and knowing how to go about helping someone mentally. Then if you have a friend or family member struggling with anxiety or depression, your support really can make a huge difference to them in their recovery. In this blog, we will discuss the best ways to assist, while also emphasizing the significance of therapy, counseling, and emotional wellness.

1. Educate Yourself About Anxiety and Depression

One of the most helpful ways you can offer emotional support is to understand what anxiety and depression really are. These are not just mood swings or feelings that someone can “snap out of.” They are serious mental illnesses that need appropriate care and treatment.

Understand common symptoms, triggers and coping mechanisms. Notice warning signs like chronic sadness or persistent withdrawal from social activities, fatigue, or excessive worry — these can prepare you to approach your loved one with empathy instead of judgment.

2. Offer a Safe and Non-Judgmental Space

People suffering from anxiety or depression tend to feel alone. Tell them you’re there to hear them, without providing answers or judges. A message as simple as, “I’m here for you, and I care about you,” can be very supportive for them.

Stay away from phrases like “just relax” or “think positive” as these can invalidate their feelings. Instead, acknowledge their feelings with, “I realize that you’re feeling stressed, and I’m here to help however I can.”

3. Encourage Professional Support

Although support from you is important, pro-help like therapy and counseling is usually required for treatment. Through a trusted emotional support platform such as SupportO, you could even gently encourage them to seek therapy or counseling from trained professionals who can assist them in managing their condition.

Offer to help them look up mental health services, go to an appointment with them, or even help them call a therapist. Encourage therapy-seeking (as you would for physical health-related needs).

4. Give Them Time and Do Not Push Them

Recovering from anxiety and depression is not instantaneous, and everyone’s path is unique. Do not rush your dear one into activities in which they might not be ready. Instead, offer gentle encouragement and let them know that each little step is a step forward.

For instance, if they are struggling with social situations, recommend one-on-one events in a low-key atmosphere (a walk in the park, perhaps, or some soothing coffee time) instead of asking them to go to a large gathering.

5. Help with Daily Tasks

Anxiety and depression can render even the simplest tasks insurmountable. Because this can help relieve some of the stress they are under and allow them to focus on their mental health, offer your help with day-to-day tasks — whether it be going grocery shopping, preparing meals or helping around the house.

Small gestures, such as preparing a healthy meal or assisting with errands, can show that you care and are willing to support them in practical ways.


6. Promote Healthy Coping Mechanisms

Distractions during difficult times are crucial, so encourage positive coping mechanisms, physical activity, journaling, meditation, and hobbies they enjoy. But do respect their limits and preferences. If they are willing, you might also recommend joining them in activities that promote emotional health, such as practicing mindfulness together or attending a support group. Help them to start small and build from there — and reward efforts, however minor.


7. Stay Connected and Check-In Regularly

Often depression causes people to isolate. And regular check-ins, by phone, text, or visitation, can help reassure them they are not alone. While they may not always respond, continuous messages of support can help.

Just “Thinking of you today” or “I’m always here if you need to talk” can go a long way to someone struggling with their mental health.

8. Take Care of Your Own Mental Health

Helping a loved one facing anxiety or depression can be emotionally taxing. Your own mental well-being also needs to be prioritized or you risk burning out yourself. Practice self-care, lean on your support system, or consider talking to a counselor if things become overwhelming.

After all, you can not pour from an empty cup. Caring for yourself allows you to be a more resilient support system for your loved one.


Conclusion

There is no quick fix to anxiety or depression, it is, however, about being there for someone the way your loved one needs you the most. But you, your patience, encouragement, and access to the right resources like therapy, counseling, and emotional support platforms like SupportO can play a dire role in helping them on their way to recovery.

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact a professional for guidance. Just like physical health, emotional health is crucial, and going to therapy is a brave choice, not a cowardly one.

Through empathy, tangible assistance, and encouraging access of professional therapy options, you can be a vital element of their healing journey. Also, remember that small actions can have a huge impact on shifting someone’s mental health narrative.