A whopping 1 in 5 Canadian experiences mental illness.
In a survey, 75% of working Canadians said they would be reluctant to or refused to disclose a mental illness to a co-worker or an employer.
The top 3 reasons people are reluctant to talk about mental health are:
-The notion that there is a stigma around mental illness
-Not wanting to be judged or treated differently
-Being afraid of negative consequences, such as losing one’s job
If someone tries to open up to you and talk about their mental health, these are a few of the ways you can be of help
1. Listen to them
Let them open up, and share their thoughts without any interruption. Respond only after they have finished.
2. Let them know if you understand
If someone has just spoken to you about their issue and you’ve had a similar experience—tell them. It helps people to know they are not alone. However, make sure the focus remains on their needs and not your struggles.
3. Avoid being judgmental
Don’t tell them that it’s just a phase or they are acting weird; it is not helpful at all.
4. Take them seriously
Try not to respond with statements such as ‘I’m sure you’ll be fine’, or ‘You’ll get over it’. It will feel like you are trying to minimize how they are feeling or what they are going through.
5. Make yourself available to talk again if needed
Sharing something someone has been keeping a secret can be a big relief, however, mental health issues usually aren’t solved with one conversation. Let the person know they can reach out to you again.
6. Don't turn it into gossip
It takes guts for anyone to open up about their mental health issues. Make sure you don’t share what they tell you with other people.
7. Do some research to learn about what you've been told
It’s not necessary that you understand the depth of what you’ve been told. Do your research and make sure that your information is coming from reliable sources.
8. Tell someone if you have to
It’s great to have friends that trust you and to keep that trust. However, there are times when you might not be able to handle the situation alone, especially when that person indicates they have thoughts of hurting themselves or another person. If someone you know is in crisis and needs urgent help, go to your local emergency room.
Want to learn more about mental health and how to talk about it? Check out our blogs related to mental health or find a provider who can help you address your questions about mental health.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog or in any linked material is not intended and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For holistic health advice and consultation, visit https://www.mywellself.ca/.
