Supporting Loved Ones on World Mental Health Day: A Guide to Compassionate Action
- Saleha Choudhury
- Oct 9
- 3 min read
Introduction
World Mental Health Day, observed each year on 10th October, highlights the need to prioritise mental wellbeing. This year’s theme - “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies” - emphasises the crucial importance of ensuring equitable access to mental health support during difficult times.
While system-level changes are vital, individual actions rooted in empathy can also make a profound difference.
If someone you care about may be struggling with their mental health, your compassion and support can serve as a meaningful lifeline. This guide outlines practical, caring steps you can take to support a friend, family member, or colleague.
1. Initiate the Conversation with Empathy
Talking about mental health can feel intimidating, but how you approach the topic matters. Avoid assumptions; instead, invite the person to share when and how they feel comfortable. You might say:
“I have noticed you have seemed a bit down recently - would you like to talk about what is on your mind?”
“I am here for you whenever you’re ready - no pressure.”
The aim is not to solve everything, but to listen with kindness and without judgement. The Mental Health Foundation advises: “Let them share as much or as little as they want to.”
💬 Takeaway: Listening with compassion often helps more than any advice ever could.
2. Offer Practical Support
When someone is experiencing mental distress, even daily tasks can feel overwhelming. You can help by offering practical support, such as:
Searching for local mental health services or reputable online support tools.
Accompanying them to appointments (GP, therapy) if they’d like.
Helping with chores, errands or small tasks that feel burdensome.
These acts of practical assistance can reduce stress and allow them to focus more on their healing.
💬 Takeaway: Practical help can give someone the strength to take the next step towards recovery.
3. Encourage Healthy Routines
While respecting their pace and boundaries, gently encourage habits that support emotional wellbeing:
Suggest a walk or light physical activity together.
Try mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises side by side.
Share a nourishing meal or take part in calming hobbies.
Over time, these small, consistent routines can help strengthen mental resilience and a sense of balance.
💬 Takeaway: Small moments of care can bring balance back to someone’s day.
4. Be Patient and Non-Judgemental
Healing isn’t linear. There will be good days and harder ones — and that’s okay. Offer understanding rather than solutions, and allow space for emotion.
Avoid phrases like “You’ll be fine” or “Cheer up”; instead, try “That sounds really tough - I’m here for you.”
💬 Takeaway: Your patience tells them they don’t have to rush their healing.
5. Respect Their Autonomy
It’s natural to want to help, but it’s essential to honour their choices - even if they aren’t ready to seek professional support. Offer information and encouragement, but let them decide their own path.
As Mind puts it, “Work with them, rather than telling them what to do.”
Empowerment and respect are key to supporting someone’s mental health journey.
💬 Takeaway: Empowerment builds trust; pressure can create distance.
6. Share Trusted Resources and Professional Support
When they’re ready, access to reliable mental health resources can ease the way forward. You can share:
Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
NHS Mental Health Services: www.nhs.uk/mental-health
WeCounsel Crisis Help: wecounsel.co.uk/crisishelp
Ensure the resources you provide are relevant, accessible, and reputable.
💬 Takeaway: Access to the right support can turn hope into action.
7. Engage in Community and Connection
Social connection is vital to support mental wellbeing. Encourage participation in community or peer-based activities:
Attend mental health awareness events or workshops together.
Volunteer for causes that promote emotional wellbeing.
Join online or local support groups or peer networks.
Building connections reduces isolation and fosters shared understanding.
💬 Takeaway: Connection replaces isolation with belonging.
8. Lead by Example
Demonstrate your commitment to mental wellbeing by practising self-care, speaking openly about your own mental health, and seeking help when needed. Normalising these conversations encourages others to do the same.
“Mental health isn’t a luxury – it’s something I work on every single day.”
Being transparent and proactive helps reduce stigma and encourages others to prioritise their own care.
💬 Takeaway: When you care for yourself, you show others it’s okay to do so too.
Conclusion
Supporting someone through mental health difficulties is a profound expression of kindness, patience, and solidarity. By listening, offering assistance when possible, and respecting their autonomy, you can make a real difference in their life.
This World Mental Health Day, let’s commit to showing empathy and support - not just on 10th October, but every day. Together, we can foster a society where mental wellbeing is continually valued and safeguarded.
Further Reading and Resources
Mental Health Foundation — How to support someone with a mental health problem
WeCounsel — Crisis Help and Mental Health Support
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