I totally appreciate it isn’t easy to support your loved ones when they are in mental distress. I have friends and family with mental illness and know I often feel flustered and unsure what to say or do for the best, even though I’ve experienced it myself.

My previous blog gives you some go to phrases to help, but now I want to focus on the small little actions that can really brighten someone’s day. They don’t have to cost a lot, or even involve a lot of effort, but they can make a huge difference.

• Send them a message – not a tweet or a Facebook comment, an actual direct, personal message, even if it just says ‘thinking of you,’ it means so much more than a comment
• Accept it if they don’t text back – it probably isn’t personal. They might just need some headspace or not have the words right now.
• Send them a funny gif, video, joke, etc.
• Give them a hug
• Offer to go for a walk with them, or even to just sit inside and watch TV
• Listen if they want to talk, try not to judge or dismiss
• Cook for them
• Paint their nails
• Make them a self-care package (facemasks, chocolate, and cream, whatever they like! It doesn’t need to be expensive – Poundland sell all of these things)
• Bring them chocolate!
• Watch their favourite TV show with them
• Play a board game
• Have a long phone call
• Send them motivational songs to listen to
• Suggest a good book
• Make them a hot drink
• Offer to go to the doctor with them
• Have a duvet day – blankets, pillows, pyjamas, popcorn, films
• Read magazines together
• Do some colouring together
• Send them a card/postcard – via the post, not an online one!
• Go window shopping
• Go for a bike ride
• Reminisce
• Spend time with animals
• Go to your favourite park/coffee shops/book store
• Buy them a book/give them a copy of one you love
• Send them a subscription box, (a BuddyBox is great for someone with low mood)
• Bake them something, or just watch old episodes of Bake Off on Netflix!
• Go to an arcade
• Watch silly Youtube videos
• Give them a compliment (ideally one not based on their appearance)
• Do some crafts together
• Have a picnic, even if it’s in your garden!
• Try something new together – a class, knitting, whatever you feel like!
• Watch a film you’ve wanted to see for ages
• Cry together
• Explore part of your local area
• Get dressed up for no reason
• Order a takeaway together
• Send them flowers

If you have any suggestions of your own drop them in a comment!

Lorna

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