How to Help Someone with Undiagnosed Mental Illness

Sunburnt Souls

In this episode of Sunburnt Souls, Dave discusses how to help a friend who might be struggling with mental illness but doesn't believe they are. He shares seven practical steps that can be taken to offer support with love, patience, and wisdom.

Key Points:

1. Build Trust and Listen
   Start by approaching your friend with empathy, not judgement, and listen to their concerns, as many people don’t recognise mental health issues because they fear judgement.
2. Be Gentle, Not Confrontational
   Avoid labelling your friend as "mentally ill" and instead gently point out specific behaviour or feelings that concern you, creating a non-defensive conversation.
3. Offer Support, Not Solutions
   Rather than pushing solutions, offer emotional support by being there for your friend and walking with them on their journey toward potential help.
4. Highlight the Benefits of Professional Support
   Emphasise that talking to a GP can help them begin the process toward further support with Psychologists, counsellors or other allied health professionals.
5. Give Them Space to Process
   Give your friend time to reflect on the conversation. While they may not seek help immediately, your continued support can encourage them to take steps when they’re ready.
6. Pray for Guidance and Healing
   As a believer, pray for wisdom in approaching your friend and for their healing, trusting that God can guide both of you through this difficult time.
7. Set Boundaries if Necessary
   If their refusal to seek help begins to affect your own mental health, it's okay to set boundaries while continuing to offer love and support from a distance.

Closing:
In this episode, we explored how to navigate a sensitive situation with love and grace. Remember, offering support is about patience, empathy, and trusting that God is present in the journey. Thanks for tuning in to Sunburnt Souls!

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