If you have family, friends or colleagues who live with mental illnesses, you may be unsure of how to speak to them in a respectful way. You want to show you care, but don’t know how to express your concern and not hurt the person at the same time.
Just ask…
- Can you help me understand what it’s like living with your condition?
- Is there anything you need from me or something I can do to help you?
- Can we do something together – get coffee, go for a walk or see a movie?
Just because the person has mental illness doesn’t mean he/she won’t want to do regular activities - What is your diagnosis and how do you feel about it?
- Do you need to talk?
Sometimes talking can help make things feel a little better. - What can I do to be there for you, and help you feel supported?
- How can I support you – can I listen to you, leave you alone, give you a hug?
- How has living with this condition shaped who you are today?
- How are you? You don’t seem like yourself, and I want to know how you’re really feeling because I care about you.
Find Help and More Information Regarding Mental Illness
Help is available. For additional information, visit MagellanHealth.com/MYMH.
For more information on treatment resources, contact:
National Institute of Mental Health
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help/index.shtml
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
http://www.nami.org/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) https://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
Mental Health.gov
https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
Help is available. For additional information, visit MagellanHealth.com/MYMH
Read more about Mental Illness from Magellan Health Insights
