| The world of mental health already has enough stigma, | | | | constructive activities. This affects people in different |
| and wanting to help a friend get past the stigma and | | | | ways. For example, people with depression who have |
| reveal a rich, fulfilling life is a noble ideal. Everyone | | | | trouble finding a reason to get out of bed every |
| deserves a happy, fulfilling life and those dealing with a | | | | morning may enjoy a hobby they can share with you, |
| mental health issue are no exception to this ideal. | | | | like going bowling or learning how to build model |
| There's plenty of be a great friend that go beyond just | | | | airplanes. Both of those hobbies are activities that can |
| being a good person - when we help others, we enjoy | | | | benefit both parties and create a bond through a |
| a happier and more fulfilled feeling ourselves. It goes | | | | shared activity that can be enjoyed for months, even |
| both ways - in order to be happier, we have to | | | | years to come. Take the time through conversation to |
| increase the happiness and joy of other people. This | | | | learn what they enjoy doing, or used to enjoy doing |
| article will cover the three tips to being a great friend | | | | and then create the activities in slow steps. You don't |
| to someone with a mental illness. If you're just now | | | | want to rush this process because it will take time to |
| making friends with someone who suffers from a | | | | not only build trust, but also to get back into the habit of |
| mental disorder, you will find a great set of tips you | | | | enjoying social activity with someone else. |
| can use right away to build a good friendship from the | | | | The final tip is to be understanding. Someone fighting |
| ground up. | | | | with mental health illnesses may have their fair share |
| The first tip is to be as open and sincere as possible. | | | | of good days and bad days, but it is often how you will |
| Many people with mental health issues are used to | | | | react to them on the bad days that will determine how |
| people being underhanded and trying to hurt them or | | | | strong of a friendship you'll create. If you catch them |
| take advantage of them. In order to combat this fear, | | | | on a bad day where they're struggling, don't turn away |
| many people with a mental health problem tend to | | | | from them. Instead, be ready to offer a sympathetic |
| stay inside themselves and refrain from building solid | | | | ear and advice if asked. Being a good listener and |
| friendships. You can help them get past this obstacle | | | | showing that you're willing to stick by them through |
| by showing them that there really are nice people out | | | | thick and thin is the real key to a lasting friendship that |
| there that want to help and build them up. Show this | | | | will strengthen both people touched by it. |
| by being kind and respectful - if they don't want to talk | | | | Overall, there's no reason why you shouldn't be as |
| about their mental health issue, you should never force | | | | great of a friend as you can to anyone, including |
| the issue. The key here is to treat people with mental | | | | people suffering from a mental health illness. With |
| health issues with the same respect that you would | | | | these tips in mind you should have no problem at all |
| show anyone else. | | | | being the best friend possible! |
| The second tip is to be encouraging and suggest | | | | |