start with the acknowledgment that we all have mental health stresses and most likely have experienced mental health problems. It is not abnormal to have challenges and life stressors.
If suspecting a mental illness, be compassionate and thoughtful when discussing your concerns. The first step is asking your friend about their experience and how they have been feeling. Inquire if you can help them in any way due to some of the changes you have noticed.
If they open the door to you, offer to first be a listening ear. Ask what they believe the next steps would be. You do not want to jump to conclusions in assuming a diagnosis. Yet, if you believe they are spiraling out of control, are a danger to themselves, or to others seek help!
Start with the experts. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) can offer assistance. In case of emergencies, you must treat it as such, similar to that of any other medical emergency.
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Dr. Weatherspoon: A support system is key to sustaining successful treatment. Loved ones can provide support by encouraging affected individuals to seek out the professional help of a mental health provider as well as reassuring the individual that they are not alone and that seeking help is the right thing to do.
Other supportive steps include encouraging the expression of feelings and emotions. Open communication can be very therapeutic as it increases understanding and displays empathy. Education and Mental health awareness are crucial when supporting a loved one suffering from mental illness. The more you know, the more suitable you will be to offer your support.
Bryant: Support them at all times, EVEN if they call at 2 am. Depression is often worse at night. At night you are isolated and things just seem more hopeless at night. Anita Baker even made a BEAUTIFUL song about the depression that night brings. Let your friends know you are just a phone call away anytime they need help. Encourage them to go on outings with you. This can be as simple as purchasing cheap seats and hanging at a baseball game or simply running errands with you on a Saturday morning.
People with depression often self-isolate so you will have to almost force them to come out of the rut they are in. Try one-on-one conversations ONLY to start. As Black men, we are prideful. Other friends may be willing to help but make sure your friend is comfortable with the idea of talking about their problems before involving anyone else. Provide actionable advice. Supporting your friend is a start but