during treatment

how to support a friend or family member who has started treatment for a mental health issue

It can be difficult to know what to do when a friend or family member is going through a tough time.

It’s important to remember to continue reinforcing your care and love. Let them know you are still there for them and desire to understand what they’re going through. We want to continue to provide a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on.

Although we shouldn’t get into specific details about what they’re doing in treatment (as that may be too personal, unless they want to share with you), we can ask about their experience. Was their first appointment how they expected? Did they like who they spoke to?

You can ask in what ways they’d like you to support them during their treatment. Just like when we initially bring up our concerns, we want to ensure we have these discussions in a safe place at an appropriate time. Don’t only ask them questions —  that may come across as prying. Share what’s going on in your life, too, and continue inviting them to do activities or get together.

Click below to find out what you can do at different stages of your friend’s or family member’s mental health journey.