Supporting Others With Their Mental Health

Shift Collab is focused on the power of conversation about mental health.

Why? Because it's still a taboo topic, talking openly about our challenges can save lives.

Reach out to your friends & family using our SHIFT steps.

Speak

Life can be tricky sometimes, and we all face our own unique challenges. Our support for one another becomes even more crucial during these challenging moments. As we navigate through the ups and downs, it's essential to cultivate a sense of empathy and reach out to those around us.

If you notice something different about someone, please don't hesitate to voice your concern. Take a moment to approach them gently and say, "I’ve noticed you have been ____________ recently. I care about you, and I want to make sure you're doing okay. So, how are you really doing?"

By opening up this dialogue, you create a safe space for them to express their emotions and concerns. Genuine care and active listening can make a world of difference in someone's life, providing them with the comfort and reassurance they may need. Remember, it's the little gestures of kindness that can truly brighten someone's day and remind them that they are not alone.

Two girls having a conversation whilst drinking a cup of coffee

Hear

When someone is talking with you about their challenges, it's important to give them your full attention and intentionally listen to what they have to say.

Acknowledging their feelings and experiences can be incredibly empowering and reassuring. So, when you find yourself in such a situation, let them know that their voice is being heard and that you genuinely care. You can respond by saying, "I hear you! ________ sounds very hard. Can you tell me more?"

This simple phrase conveys your active engagement in the conversation and encourages them to open up further. By actively listening and showing empathy, you create a space where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, emotions, and challenges without judgment. Remember, validating someone's experiences can go a long way in building trust and fostering a deeper connection.

Interest

When it comes to supporting others, it's essential to recognize that everyone has different preferences and needs. While some may appreciate being asked questions, others need the reassurance that someone genuinely cares about what they have to say.

It is important to understand your role in these situations and realize that it's not about fixing the person or providing immediate solutions; instead, your primary responsibility is to be a compassionate listener. It's essential to approach the conversation with the understanding that this moment is not about you—it's about them and their experiences.

Remember, it's not about imposing your own opinions or attempting to solve their problems. Your role is to provide a listening ear and offer support without judgment. By demonstrating empathy, respect, and a genuine interest in their story, you can foster a sense of trust and encourage them to open up further.

Follow Up

When someone has taken the courageous step of opening up to you, it's a powerful indication of their trust and vulnerability. It's crucial to respond with empathy and show them that you genuinely care.

One way you can show your support is by following up with an offer to help them at that moment. You can express your concern by saying, "I care about you. Is there anything that I can do to help you right now?"

By extending this compassionate gesture, you let them know that they are not alone and that you are ready to help if needed. It's important to remember that everyone's needs are unique, and the kind of support required may vary. Your role is not to assume what they need but to offer your willingness to be there for them.

Therapy

When someone opens up to you about their challenges, providing them with resources to support their well-being can be valuable. Keep in mind that each person's journey is different, and what works for one individual may not work for another.

You could start by sharing a helpful resource such as therapy: "I recently discovered an incredible resource, Shift Collab, that I wanted to share. They have a ton of mental health resources and available therapists. You can check it out here: https://www.shiftcollab.com/start"

It is important to approach these conversations with sensitivity and respect, offering the resource as a suggestion rather than a definitive solution. Remember, you're not replacing professional help but providing them with an additional avenue to explore.

Why trust Shift Collab?

Shift Collab is one of Canada’s leading therapy practices, offering exceptional counselling and mental healthcare from coast-to-coast.

Our curated team of over 125 social workers and psychotherapists collaborate with your clients to navigate all of life’s challenges.

Shift Collab cares about the wellness of your colleagues, including the type of care they receive. We make therapy simple, actionable and relatable, and we know our team can successfully guide your client to find a better version of themselves–one session at a time.

We also acknowledge that there are many factors which can impact how accessible therapy is for someone; availability, location, designation, specialties, approaches, session types, price, and so on - whatever the variable is, we take all the unique needs into consideration and support clients in every way we can.