Being CommUNITY (Mental Health)
“How can I support someone struggling with mental health?”
As someone who is autistic with both anxiety and depression, patience and understanding which are addressed in the meme, is absolutely priceless. Being in someone’s space physically, while putting in the effort to understand them, is highly underrated. Allowing the person to be themselves freely and completely without fear of judgment, negative consequences, including threat of hospitalization, or their actions/feelings being internalized, which is sadly a much needed rarity. (continued …)
2. Ask, “How can I help?”
This sounds quite simple but it is such a powerful and beautiful underutilized question that should always be asked of anyone who is hurting. If the person is unaware of the answer, offer to help with daily responsibilities that eases the person’s stress. Examples given in the meme.
3. Ask, “How can I support you? Do you want: (3 options) via IG @ilanadegann
to talk about it
a distraction
some space
Note: Please respect the boundary of space but also check in with them after some time has passed, which varies per person. Depression thrives in isolation and does what it can for the person to be alone which can have negative consequences. We all need community support not just those of us who struggle with mental health. A cute animal meme, quick “thinking of you” text, a shared memory, etc. can go a long way.