Mental illnesses are different from other illnesses. Those with a mental illness are sensitive and need special care, attention, and support, especially from their families and loved ones. For a person with a mental illness, the support of their family and loved ones can make the difference between recovery and relapse.

For that, learning how to create a supportive environment is crucial and necessary to help those with mental illnesses. In this blog, I will share with you important steps on how to create a supportive environment for a loved one with mental illness.

1. Education 

This might easily be the most important step in creating a supportive environment. Each mental illness is different from the other in terms of symptoms, treatment, diagnosis, and how to approach the patient. Try to understand everything about the mental illness of your loved one. That way, you can be more understanding and capable of helping them when help is needed.

One of the resources that you can use is the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI). NAMI has a free twelve-week course designed to educate families about mental illnesses.

2. Make Them Feel That It’s Okay

Mental illnesses are often stigmatized. When a person is diagnosed with a mental illness, they feel immense pressure because they feel that they have burdened their families. Always be assertive; tell them that it’s okay, that there is no shame or burden in having a mental illness. And that regardless of anything, what matters most to you is them and their health, not how people look at you.

3. Talk

Have open conversations with your loved one about their condition, how they’re managing it, and whether they need any assistance. The point is to make them feel that you are open and ready to listen to them whenever they need to be heard. This way, they would be more likely to feel safer, less alone, and more ready to open up.

4. Don’t Push It

Talking and showing your loved one that you care about them is important; there is no doubt about that. However, it’s important to learn when to draw the line and when to step back. This mainly depends on you and what you know about your loved one. You’re the best judge of this. Aim to strike a balance between providing support and giving them the space they need.

5. Control the Environment 

Some mental illnesses are affected by the surroundings of the patient. For example, clutter might increase the stress levels of patients with anxiety disorder. While patients with post-traumatic syndrome might need a calm and quiet environment. This naturally varies based on the specific condition and the individual involved. Talk to them about what they need, and then, if it’s possible, try to change the surroundings to accommodate them as much as possible.

Takeaway 

Creating a supportive environment for your loved one who struggles with a mental illness is important for the stability of their condition. Things like education, talking, being assertive, not pushing too far, and controlling environmental variables can help a lot with creating a supportive environment for your loved one.

References and Citations

1. An, J., Zhu, X., Shi, Z. et al. A serial mediating effect of perceived family support on psychological well-being. BMC Public Health 24, 940 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-18476-z
2. Bodrij FF, Andeweg SM, Prevoo MJL, Rippe RCA, Alink LRA. The causal effect of household chaos on stress and caregiving: An experimental study. Compr Psychoneuroendocrinol. 2021;8:100090. doi:10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100090