5 Ways To Support Someone With A Mental Illness During Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and is a good a time as any to support and celebrate those who are living with a mental illness. Awareness in May is designed to shatter stigmas placed upon mental health, publicly raise awareness, and encourage mental wellness.

If you know someone living with a mental illness, are that someone, or want to understand mental health, these five tips will aid in getting you more acquainted. Awareness supports us all and creates a safety barrier that ultimately saves lives.

“There are several reliable resources for learning about mental health,” said Dr. Ray Kotwicki, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Hightop Health. “Trusted websites like those of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) offer evidence-based information.”

“For those with a background in research, PubMed is an excellent tool to access peer-reviewed clinical studies,” Ray said. “If someone lacks the background or time to dive into academic research, it’s helpful to ask questions directly to trusted mental health professionals.”

You may not understand what is going on, how a person with mental illness is affected, or what your role should be, but it’s simple, be there. Show up (even if that’s all you can do) and be a listening ear, a comforting hand, or a ray of hope.

“Let them express whatever they need to without feeling the pressure to fix it or offer solutions,” said Estefana Johnson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Trauma Therapist, Director of Clinic Training Arise Alliance Institute. “Even well-intentioned phrases like ‘I know how you feel’ or ‘at least you’re not…’ can feel dismissive — so lead with empathy, not comparison. Don’t take things personally, but do honor your own boundaries. Adjust your expectations with compassion for their limitations.” 

“The first, and best way to support someone with a mental illness is to believe them,” said Marcia Bonato Warren, MA, MA, LPC,body psychotherapist. “Validate their experience with curiosity and care and give them space for this time in their life to be messy and unknown.”

Belief is so significant in the mental health realm. Being bashed, talked down upon, and ridiculed for an illness that isn’t your fault can be brutal. Belief keeps hope alive. Validation makes the fight for more awareness possible.

“Supporting someone with a mental illness begins with recognizing that mental illnesses are real medical conditions, not character flaws or personal weaknesses,” Ray said. “It’s crucial to treat individuals with mental illness just as you would someone with any chronic medical condition, offering support through compassion, engagement and consistency.”

“Research shows that people with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, have significantly better outcomes when they have consistent social support and are included in normal activities,” he said. “Regular interaction, encouragement and shared experiences help foster recovery and resilience.”

Recognition also shows that you care, are aware, and that person realizes that they aren’t alone. Oftentimes the negativity of stigmas overshadow reality, which can be challenging for one living with a mental illness. Recognition restores what is, and darkens the doubts and fears of what isn’t.

“Joining reputable advocacy groups is a great way to get involved,” Ray said. “Organizations like NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) offer programs like Family-to-Family, where individuals can share experiences, strategies and support.”

Ray said diagnosis-specific organizations, such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, provide resources tailored to particular mental health conditions. These groups often focus on both advocacy and education, helping to de-stigmatize mental illness while connecting families and individuals to helpful tools and communities.