When someone close to you is struggling with their mental health, it can be difficult to know what to do.
Most people are not trained for this. You are often trying to support someone while also feeling unsure, worried, or even overwhelmed yourself.
So instead of thinking about doing everything perfectly, it can help to think in simpler terms:
being present, being supportive, and knowing when to guide them toward help.
First, it helps to understand what they might be going through
Mental health conditions, trauma, and ongoing stress can affect people in many ways.
You might notice:
- changes in mood
- withdrawal from others
- difficulty sleeping
- irritability or emotional ups and downs
- reduced motivation or energy
These are not just “personality changes.” They are often signs that someone is struggling to cope internally (National Institute of Mental Health, 2019).
Taking time to understand this can make a big difference in how you respond.
Listening often matters more than fixing
One of the most helpful things you can do is simply listen.
Not to solve the problem straight away, but to understand it.
In practice, this often means:
- giving them space to talk
- not interrupting or rushing them
- avoiding jumping in with solutions too quickly
You might not always know what to say, and that is okay.
Sometimes a response like:
“I’m here” or “That sounds really hard”
is more helpful than trying to fix everything.
Research and mental health organisations consistently highlight that empathy and validation are key parts of support (Mental Health Foundation, 2021).
Encouraging help, without forcing it
At some point, professional support often becomes important.
This might include:
- a GP
- a psychologist
- a counsellor
Encouraging help can feel delicate.
If I think about how this works best in real life, it is usually not about pushing, but gently opening the door:
- “Have you thought about talking to someone?”
- “I can help you find someone if you want”
In Australia, early access to mental health care is associated with better outcomes, particularly when symptoms are persistent (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).
Practical support is often underestimated
When someone is struggling mentally, everyday tasks can feel overwhelming.
Simple things can help more than expected:
- helping with meals
- assisting with errands
- supporting routines
It may not feel like much, but it reduces the overall load they are carrying.
Understanding boundaries
This part is often overlooked.
Supporting someone does not mean:
- being available all the time
- solving everything for them
- sacrificing your own wellbeing
It is important to recognise that you are supporting them, not replacing professional care.
Setting gentle boundaries helps protect both you and the relationship.
Taking care of yourself as well
This is not selfish. It is necessary.
Supporting someone with mental health challenges can be emotionally demanding.
You may notice:
- feeling drained
- worrying constantly
- feeling responsible for their wellbeing
That is why it is important to:
- have your own support system
- take breaks when needed
- continue your own routines
Caregiver fatigue is well recognised, and maintaining your own wellbeing helps you provide more stable support (Mental Health Foundation, 2021).
Where acupuncture may fit
Sometimes people ask about additional ways to support recovery.
Acupuncture has been studied as a complementary approach, particularly for symptoms that often sit alongside mental health conditions, such as:
- stress
- anxiety
- sleep disturbance
- physical tension
Systematic reviews suggest acupuncture may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in some patients, although study quality varies (Smith et al., 2018; Pilkington et al., 2007).
So a practical way to think about it is:
Acupuncture may help support relaxation, sleep, and nervous system regulation,
but it is usually one part of a broader care plan, not a replacement for psychological or medical treatment.
A simple way to think about supporting someone
If I had to summarise it simply:
- Be present
- Listen without judgment
- Encourage help
- Support where you can
- Take care of yourself
You do not need to have all the answers.
Often, just being there consistently is already meaningful.
When to seek urgent help
It is important to seek immediate support if your loved one is experiencing:
- thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- severe distress
- significant changes in behaviour
Support services (Australia)
- Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
- Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
- Headspace
Important notice
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical or psychological advice. Supporting someone with mental health challenges can be complex, and professional guidance is important when symptoms are ongoing or severe.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Mental health overview.
https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview
Mental Health Foundation. (2021). How to support someone with a mental health problem.
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/how-support-someone-mental-health-problem
National Institute of Mental Health. (2019). Helping someone with a mental illness.
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/getting-help-for-mental-illness/helping-someone-with-a-mental-illness
Pilkington, K., Kirkwood, G., Rampes, H., & Cummings, M. (2007). Acupuncture for anxiety: A systematic review. Acupuncture in Medicine, 25(1–2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1136/aim.25.1-2.1
Smith, C. A., Armour, M., Lee, M. S., et al. (2018). Acupuncture for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD004046.pub4