When someone we care about is struggling with their mental health, it can be hard to know what to do. You may notice changes in their mood, behavior, or energy level. They may seem withdrawn, overwhelmed, or unlike themselves. And while you cannot solve everything for them, your support can make a powerful difference.
Sometimes the most important thing you can offer is simply your presence. Here are a few ways you can support someone struggling with their mental health.
Start with Listening
One of the best ways to support someone is to listen without judgment. Let them talk about how they feel. Avoid interrupting, offering quick fixes, or minimizing their struggles. Statements like “Just stay positive” or “It will pass” may be well-intended, but they can make a person feel misunderstood or not heard at all. Instead, try simple responses such as:
“I’m glad you told me.”
“That sounds really hard.”
“I’m here for you.”
Knowing someone cares and is willing to listen can help reduce feelings of isolation. Even if there isn’t a solution to whatever is going on, the fact that someone is there to sit with them through it is huge.
Encourage Them to Seek Help
Mental health struggles often require more support than friends and family alone can provide. Listening and offering encouragement are important, but professional help can play a critical role in recovery. Encouraging someone to speak with a mental health professional can be an important step.
Organizations like Elevate support individuals and families facing mental health and substance use challenges through prevention, intervention, and recovery programs. One example is Elevate’s Peer Support Program, based on the evidence-based Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP®) model developed by the Copeland Center in Vermont. Through this program, trained Peer Support Specialists (individuals with lived experience) work one-on-one or in group settings to help participants recognize triggers, develop coping strategies, and build supportive communities.
Elevate also offers crisis services for those who need immediate help. The Mobile Crisis Program responds directly to individuals in crisis and connects them with community resources. The Crisis Walk-In Program provides free, on-site support from a mental health professional, while the Co-Responder Program partners with the Sheboygan Police Department to respond to mental health-related calls. For young people ages 10–24, the Youth Wellness Navigator program provides case management and guidance following a suicide attempt.
If someone you know needs immediate support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is also available 24 hours a day.
Offer (Practical) Support
Mental health struggles can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Offering small acts of help can go a long way. You might:
Offer to go on a walk together
Help with errands or childcare
Invite them to join you for a meal
Check in regularly with a call or message
These gestures, while seemingly small, remind people they are not alone.
Be Patient
Recovery and healing rarely happen overnight. Some days may be better than others. It’s important to remain patient and supportive even when progress feels slow.
At Elevate, the mission is to guide and empower individuals, families, and communities as they navigate challenges related to mental health and substance use. The goal is to help people build healthier lives and stronger communities.
Your patience and compassion can help someone feel safe enough to continue seeking help.
Take Care of Yourself, Too
Supporting someone with mental health struggles can be emotionally demanding. It’s important to set healthy boundaries and take care of your own well-being. Support groups and community resources are available to help families and friends learn how to cope and provide effective encouragement.
Elevate offers a support group for family members and friends concerned about their loved ones living with a substance use disorder. The program, based on the Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) model, is a highly effective, evidence-based, motivational program that impacts families in multiple areas of their lives (email Melissa Emberts at memberts@elevateyou.org to learn more). This program is currently only offered in Washington County.
Hope and Help Are Available
Mental health struggles are more common than many people realize. With the right support, treatment, and community resources, recovery is possible.
If someone in your life is struggling, your compassion, patience, and willingness to listen can be the first step toward hope and healing. And if you or someone you love needs support, organizations like Elevate are here to help.
