Supporting a loved one facing mental health challenges can be a profoundly meaningful yet complex journey. At Wholesome Psychology, serving Edmonton and St. Albert, we understand the importance of compassion, community, and science-informed care. Whether you are worried about a friend, child, partner, parent, or colleague, your support can make a remarkable difference. This guide offers practical and empathetic ways to assist someone who is struggling, while maintaining your own well-being. For a deeper look at our philosophy, see our Unique Approach page.
Understanding the Importance of Mental Health Support
Millions of Canadians experience mental health difficulties at some point in their lives. Depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, and chronic stress can affect anyone, regardless of age or background. Providing thoughtful, nonjudgmental support is vital for breaking stigma, increasing hope, and making pathways toward healing more accessible.
In Edmonton and St. Albert, communities flourish when we support one another with openness and kindness. By fostering understanding and connection, we nurture resilience within our families, workplaces, and neighborhoods. Remember: your encouragement and willingness to truly listen are powerful, even if you can’t “solve” the problem. Learn more about our services for individuals and families.
How Do I Know If Someone Is Struggling?
- Noticeable changes in mood, energy, or interest in daily activities
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or usual routines
- Difficulty concentrating, irritability, or frequent sadness
- Appetite or sleep changes—sleeping much more or less, weight loss or gain
- Expressions of hopelessness, self-criticism, or guilt
- Mentioning or showing behaviors related to suicidal thoughts or self-harm
- Heightened worry, panic attacks, or avoidance of triggering situations
It’s important not to make assumptions but to remain gently observant. Each person’s journey with mental health is unique. For more on recognizing signs in youth, visit our Youth Mental Health Support page.
First Steps: How to Offer Help and Open a Conversation
- Choose a private, comfortable setting to foster safety.
- Express your concern with warmth: “I’ve noticed you seem a bit down lately, and I care about you. Would you like to talk?”
- Listen actively, using open body language and validating their experience. Avoid quick fixes or minimizing their feelings.
- Ask open-ended questions such as, “How have you been feeling lately?” or “What would help you feel supported right now?”
- Respect their boundaries. Some people need time to share or may not be ready to talk immediately.
Even if you feel uncertain, reminding them that they are not alone and that you care can be profoundly stabilizing. For guidance on starting conversations with children or youth, see our Children’s Mental Health resource.
What If I Don’t Know What to Say?
- “Thank you for trusting me with how you’re feeling.”
- “I might not fully understand, but I’m here for you.”
- “Would you like to look at some support options together?”
Your presence, patience, and nonjudgmental approach provide a healing environment. If you're interested in developing supportive skills, our educational workshops may help.
How to Support Someone—Practical Actions
Support is not only about talking. Consider these practical ways to help someone experiencing mental health struggles in Edmonton or St. Albert:
- Offer practical help, like preparing a meal, offering a ride, or assisting with chores if appropriate and welcome.
- Encourage healthy routines: gentle outdoor walks, regular meals, and restful sleep can be healing.
- Help connect them to professional support. Encourage reaching out to a counselor, psychologist, or a family doctor. If they’re interested, guide them to local resources such as Wholesome Psychology’s team of therapists.
- Promote self-compassion. Remind them that healing is not linear and that setbacks are part of recovery.
- Stay connected. Keep in touch, even with a simple text message or brief call to check in.
Consider sharing our mental wellness resources for ongoing support.
What to Avoid When Supporting Someone’s Mental Health
- Don’t say “just snap out of it”, “others have it worse”, or similar minimizing statements.
- Avoid giving unsolicited advice or oversharing your own difficulties.
- Don’t attempt to diagnose or label their experiences unless you are a qualified professional.
- Avoid pushing them to share before they are ready.
Compassion sometimes means sitting with someone in silence and being present rather than seeking solutions. If you need support as a caregiver, check out our Family Caregiver Stress page.
Urgent Situations: When Immediate Help Is Needed
If your loved one expresses thoughts of harming themselves or others, or if they show signs of a mental health emergency, seek immediate assistance. In Edmonton or St. Albert, call 911 for emergencies, or the Alberta Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642 for guidance. Local hospitals and crisis centres can also be invaluable supports. Your quick response could save a life.
If you are concerned about risk but unsure what to do, reach out to a mental health professional for direction.
Caring for Yourself as a Supporter
Supporting another person—while rewarding—can also feel emotionally demanding. Prioritizing your own emotional health helps ensure you can continue to be present for your loved one:
- Set boundaries and recognize your limits.
- Allow yourself to take breaks, and nurture your own well-being.
- Seek support through trusted friends, peer groups, or individual therapy for yourself.
Remember, caring for yourself is not selfish—it is an essential part of being able to help others sustainably. For more resources, see mental wellness support.
When Professional Mental Health Support Is Needed
There are times when professional counseling in Edmonton or St. Albert is essential. Consider encouraging help if you notice:
- Ongoing disruptions in daily life, work, or relationships
- Persistent or worsening symptoms over weeks or months
- Expressions of hopelessness, suicidal ideation, or self-harm
- Mental health struggles related to loss, trauma, or chronic illness
You can learn more about mental health conditions and options by visiting our team of therapists or exploring topics like anxiety and depression support and trauma therapy. Learn about specialized stress management therapy for additional support.
Additional Resources
The Wholesome Psychology Approach in Edmonton & St. Albert
At Wholesome Psychology, we believe in personal, holistic care centered around respect, curiosity, and authentic human connection. Our psychologists and therapists provide science-backed, compassionate support for individuals and families. If you’re supporting someone with mental health challenges, or if you need professional guidance, we’re here for you. Contact us to learn more about how we can help, or explore our mental wellness resources for Edmonton and St. Albert.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the person refuses help?
It’s common to feel helpless in this situation. Keep offering gentle support and information about available resources in Edmonton and St. Albert. Sometimes, people need time before they are ready to accept help. Remind them that you’re still there when they decide to reach out. Learn more on our supporting someone’s mental health page.
Should I involve others?
If you are concerned about your loved one’s safety or well-being, involving another trusted person—like a close family member, doctor, or mental health professional—may be necessary. Respect privacy, but put safety first. See our FAQ for more information about what to do in difficult situations.
How do I find more information?
For more in-depth info, see our pages on generalized anxiety disorder and common mental health disorders. Supporting someone with mental health challenges is an act of kindness, bravery, and dedication. You make a difference. For personalized support from trusted Edmonton and St. Albert therapists, reach out to Wholesome Psychology today.
