Let’s get real—mental illness issues are far more prevalent than many know. Still, for many, the stigma surrounding them remains, so it can feel shameful or isolating to talk or seek help. No matter if you call it a mental health condition or mental illness, the reality is that individuals are frequently confronted with confusion, criticism, or silence. And that silence can have serious repercussions on everything from self-esteem and relationships to employment prospects and access to adequate care.
Stigma manifests in all sorts of ways. It’s sometimes overt, such as a person making an insensitive remark. Other times it’s more subtle—people stepping back, avoiding talk, or jumping to conclusions that a person with a mental health condition is unreliable or even dangerous. The toughest part? Stigma can emanate from within. When someone starts to believe the negative stereotypes, it can take a toll on their confidence and make it harder to seek support. But here’s the truth: mental health conditions aren’t a sign of weakness, and no one should have to face them alone.
If you’re concerned about someone in your life, knowing how to recognize the signs of depression or other mental health conditions is a powerful first step. Depression doesn’t necessarily present itself in the same way. Some individuals are constantly sad or hopeless, while others may get irritable or lose interest in activities they once liked. There may be physical symptoms as well—appetite changes, sleep issues, changes in energy, or even chronic unexplained pain. Sometimes the changes are subtle. Perhaps your friend is quieter, or a family member is always tired. For children and adolescents, moodiness or crankiness can also be a clue that something’s amiss.
One of the most hurtful myths about depression is that anyone should be able to “snap out of it.” But that’s simply not the case. Depression is an illness—it requires treatment and care, the same as any other illness. If the person you care about is suffering, providing support and encouragement to get help can be a lifesaver. Begin by respectfully discussing what you’ve observed and why you worry about it. Let them know that this is not a flaw in their character, and they are not alone. If they will let you, you can provide concrete assistance, such as assisting in the search for a therapist, scheduling appointments, or even accompanying them to the first visit. And if their safety is threatened, don’t hesitate. Call a mental health professional or emergency services immediately.
Supporting someone with a mental health condition isn’t about getting things better—it’s about being present, listening, and providing compassion without judgment. Sometimes, having someone willing to sit with them during the hard times is more beneficial than any advice. Depression makes you feel as though you’re burdensome, so little reminders of your strength and worth can go a long way. When life is weighing heavily on you, help with tasks that are in control—cooking a meal, laundry, or simply implementing a bit of order when everything seems to be spinning out of control.
When discussing mental illness or drug use, wording is important. Be kind with your words, and avoid terms that define a person by their state. Practice person-first language—use “someone struggling with depression” rather than “a depressed person.” Be patient with where they are on their path, and healing happens at its own pace. No two journeys are the same, and insistence on immediate change can be worse than useless.
Working with mental health—your own or a loved one’s—can seem daunting. But by being patient, understanding, and having open conversations, you can be a force to be reckoned with in terms of support. And sometimes, just having someone acknowledge that they are willing to walk alongside them can be the start of recovery.