World Mental Health Day: How to Support Someone Who Is Struggling
One in eight people lives with a mental health condition. You do not need to be an expert to help. Learn a gentle 5-step way to support a friend, and the helplines to know in India.
World Mental Health Day is marked every year on 10 October. According to the World Health Organization, around one in eight people in the world lives with a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression. Chances are someone you know is going through a hard time, even if they do not show it.
You do not have to fix anything
Many of us stay silent because we are afraid of saying the wrong thing. But what helps most is simple: being present, listening without judging, and showing you care.
A 5-step way to support someone
Notice the change
Look for shifts such as withdrawing from friends, losing interest, sleeping much more or less, changes in appetite, irritability, or talking about feeling hopeless.
Start gently
Choose a private, calm moment. Say something like, "I have noticed you seem low lately. I care about you. How are you really doing?"
Listen without fixing
Let them talk. Do not rush to give advice or say "Just think positive." Reflect what you hear: "That sounds really heavy."
Encourage professional help
Say that talking to a counsellor, psychologist, or doctor is a sign of strength. Offer to help them find one or go along with them.
Keep checking in
A simple message a week later, "Thinking of you. How are you today?" can mean a lot. Recovery takes time.
Things that do not help
- Saying "Everyone feels that way" or "Snap out of it."
- Comparing their pain with others' problems.
- Telling their story to others without permission.
- Pushing them to talk before they are ready.
If someone may be in danger
If a person talks about wanting to die or harm themselves, take it seriously. Stay with them, ask directly if they are thinking of suicide, remove anything they could use to hurt themselves if it is safe, and get help immediately.
- Emergency services in India: 112
- Tele-MANAS: 14416 (toll-free, a government mental health helpline offering free counselling in many languages, available all day)
If you are the one struggling, you can call too. Reaching out is brave.
What most people miss
- Asking about suicide does not plant the idea. Research shows asking directly does not increase the risk.
- Looking fine does not mean being fine. Many people hide their pain well.
- Look after yourself too. Supporting someone is tiring. Share the load with other friends or family.
