Today is Wear White At Work Day. Wear White At Work Day was established by the White Wreath Association in showing their support for anyone suffering from a mental illness, and for the families who have lost a loved one to suicide. In 2020, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that 3,139 deaths in Australia were because of suicide. This day raises the awareness of how every day several Australian families are left behind by a loved one due to suicide, and the tragedy that follows is unimaginable. For some, it can be very challenging to hear someone tell you that they are struggling with their mental health, or are questioning their will to live. It is important to show your support and understanding during that difficult time. Here are three strategies to use with helping support someone struggling with their mental health, or with their will to live.
Listen
One of the greatest ways to help is by offering a lending ear. Offering a non-judgmental ear, or a shoulder to cry on may become a great comfort to someone who may be struggling with their mental health. It may be natural when hearing their struggles that you may want to find an immediate solution to their pain, however, while well intentioned this may be, it may cause the opposite effect and they may experience it as minimising their feelings. This could discourage them from opening up about what they’re going through. Simply listening and offering reassurance may validate and remind them that it’s okay to be feeling this way, and this may provide hope that the situation may become better. For some, being able to express their pain can itself be a release. Rather than offering advice when they’re sharing, ask what they may need from you, and how they think you can help support them.
Encourage Them To Seek Professional Help
Although you may be able to provide emotional support during this time, a mental health expert or a medical professional are trained to identify mental health issues, and create a treatment plan to support the person. It’s important to try encouraging them to book an appointment with their General Practitioner during this time. Their General Practitioner can provide them with a Mental Health Care Plan, and refer them to a mental health resource, such as a counsellor, psychologist, or psychiatrist that may offer professional support. While they may not have any motivation at the time in seeking professional help, encourage them by offering support where you can help. This support could be by offering to book their appointment, reaching out to a potential therapist to ask about their services and if they are the right person to help, checking what their private health insurance will cover, or going with them to their first appointment. By supporting them through the process of seeking professional help, this will reassure them of your care and support during this hard time.
Stay Connected
When someone is deeply struggling with their mental health, they may feel alone and may withdraw from communicating with their friends, family, and their network. Checking in with them regularly, whether by a text message, a phone call, or an email, will actively show that you are thinking about them, you care about their wellbeing, and you are concerned for them. Although they may not reciprocate in reaching back to you, continuing to check in on them may reassure them that they are not alone. When organising an event with them when they may feel up to it, organise a loose plan that is low-key and doesn’t require a lot of energy, or socialisation, like a quiet dinner, a short walk, or a movie at home. As you continue to communicate with them, whether or not they are equally as communicative, this may help them feel included and less alone in life.
Having a mental illness, when not treated, can increase distress, and may increase the potential risk of suicide. It may be hard in knowing what to do, and how to support someone who may be struggling with a mental illness. By openly listening, encouraging them to seek professional help, and keeping connected by communicating with them regularly, this may help them feel supported during this difficult time. This year for Wear White At Work Day, become involved by wearing a white shirt and donating to the White Wreath Association in showing your support for those who have been affected by a mental illness, by suicide, and the families bereaved by losing a loved one to suicide.
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