Creating Awareness
Supporting Friends, Family, and Colleagues
As we
wrap up this 10-day series on mental health stories, I want to shift the focus to something incredibly important: awareness. Throughout the series, we’ve explored deeply personal struggles with mental health, from anxiety and depression to trauma and OCD. These stories have shed light on the silent battles many people face every day. But one thing that stands out in all of these stories is the importance of support from friends, family, and colleagues.
Mental health issues can be invisible. Many people, like those I’ve written about over the past nine days, are battling struggles that aren’t immediately apparent to others. They might seem fine on the surface—smiling, going to work, posting on social media—but inside, they could be facing a storm. That’s why awareness is so crucial.
Pay Attention to the Signs
It’s easy to overlook the subtle signs that someone is struggling. Maybe a friend who used to be energetic and engaged has become withdrawn, or a co-worker who was always on top of things is suddenly missing deadlines. These changes, however slight, can be indicators that something is wrong. Mental health challenges often come with shifts in behaviour—fatigue, irritability, withdrawal, or even overcompensating by appearing overly upbeat. Paying attention to these signs is the first step in supporting those around you.
Create Safe Spaces for Conversation
Sometimes, all it takes is a simple conversation to let someone know you care. Ask how they’re doing—really ask. Often, people dealing with mental health challenges hesitate to open up because they fear being judged or misunderstood. By creating a safe, non-judgmental space, you can make it easier for someone to share what they’re going through. You don’t need to have all the answers or be an expert; just listening can be incredibly powerful.
Be Patient and Compassionate
It’s important to remember that mental health struggles don’t have quick fixes. For many, recovery is a long and sometimes bumpy road. Offering consistent support and understanding, even when things don’t seem to improve right away, can make a world of difference. Be patient with those who are struggling and let them know that they don’t have to face their battles alone.
Encourage Professional Help
While support from friends and family is invaluable, sometimes professional help is necessary. If you notice that someone’s mental health is deteriorating, gently encourage them to seek therapy or speak to a mental health professional. There is no shame in seeking help, and often it’s the most crucial step toward healing.
Reduce Stigma by Talking About Mental Health
One of the biggest barriers to people getting the help they need is the stigma surrounding mental health. By normalising conversations about mental health, we can reduce this stigma. Whether it’s in your workplace, at home, or among friends, make mental health a topic that’s open for discussion. Let’s challenge the idea that mental illness is something to hide or be ashamed of.
Check In Regularly
Mental health can fluctuate. Just because someone seems "better" one day doesn’t mean the battle is over. Make it a habit to check in regularly with those around you, especially if you know they’ve been struggling. Even a quick text or phone call to ask, "How are you feeling today?" can remind them that they’re not alone.
Final Thoughts
As we close out this series, I want to encourage all of us to become more aware of the mental health of those around us. You never know what someone might be going through behind the scenes, and a little attention, compassion, and understanding can go a long way in making a difference. Mental health awareness isn’t just about self-care; it’s about community care. Let’s pay attention, show up for each other, and work to create a world where mental health is valued and openly discussed.