The Mental Health Foundation put together this resource on dealing with mental health issues and your friends. While some of it is UK-specific, the advice on talking to friends, supporting friends, etc., is applicable everywhere.<\/p>\n
What I appreciate most is that in putting this together, they recognize the importance of support and connection from the people in our lives every day instead of just telling people to go to therapy and not worry about the strength of their relationships. We’ve spent far too long avoiding talking directly about mental health because even saying you have a therapist is considered taboo.<\/p>\n
It’s nothing to be ashamed of. Instead of avoiding your friend with a mental health issue, learn how to help them, and if you’re the one with the problem, learn how to ask for help. (Always be mindful of who you ask, as well. Too many people in our lives are not the safe place we wish they were.)<\/p>\n
It’s worth a bookmark, and please share it with the people in your life who need it.<\/p>\n