Supporting someone you care about can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to do it alone. This page provides guidance, resources, and practical ways to help while encouraging your loved one to seek professional care.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Recognizing the warning signs isn’t about making a diagnosis—it’s about noticing meaningful changes that may suggest someone is struggling and could benefit from support.
Everyone experiences stress differently. A difficult day or a temporary change in mood is a normal part of life. However, when changes become persistent, more noticeable, or out of character, they may be a sign that someone needs additional support.
The people closest to us are often the first to notice when something has changed. Paying attention, showing compassion, and checking in can make a meaningful difference.
Recognizing these warning signs doesn’t mean you have all the answers—it simply means it may be time to start a caring conversation and encourage them to seek support.
Common Signs Someone May Be Struggling
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed.
• Noticeable changes in mood, including sadness, anger, irritability, anxiety, or hopelessness.
• Talking about feeling trapped, like a burden, or believing that others would be better off without them.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits.
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies, or personal responsibilities.
• Giving away personal belongings or putting affairs in order unexpectedly.
• Increased risk-taking or reckless behavior.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Expressing feelings of worthlessness or overwhelming guilt.
• Major changes in personality or behavior that seem out of character.
When Something Doesn’t Feel Right
Sometimes there isn’t one obvious warning sign. Instead, it’s simply a feeling that something has changed.
You may notice that your loved one seems quieter than usual, more withdrawn, unusually irritable, or no longer interested in the things they once enjoyed. They may tell you they’re “fine,” but something still doesn’t feel right.
Trust your instincts
You know your loved one better than anyone else. If something doesn’t seem right, don’t ignore it.
A noticeable change in their behavior or personality may be their way of telling you they need help, even if they never say the words.
You don’t need proof that something is wrong before showing someone you care. Often, the simple act of noticing and reaching out can remind someone that they are not alone.
❤️ Remember
You don’t have to wait for a crisis before offering support. Early conversations, genuine concern, and a willingness to listen can make a meaningful difference.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, call 911 or contact the Veterans/Military Crisis Line immediately.
You Are not alone
Supporting someone you care about can be emotionally exhausting. Remember to care for yourself, ask for help when you need it, and know that you don’t have to carry this burden alone.
Beginning a conversation about mental health can feel uncomfortable, but your willingness to reach out may make a meaningful difference. You don’t need to have all the right words or all the answers. The most important thing is letting the person know you care and that they are not alone.
Choose a quiet place where you can talk without interruptions. Listen more than you speak, and try to remain calm, patient, and supportive.
Helpful Ways to Start the Conversation
You don’t have to follow a script. Speak from the heart. Here are a few ways to begin:
“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately, and I’m concerned about you.”
“You’ve been on my mind. How are you really doing?”
“I’m here to listen if you want to talk.”
“You don’t have to go through this alone. I’m here for you.”
“Would you like me to help you find someone to talk to?”
“Have you heard about The Brandon Act? I can help you learn more if you’d like.”
🚫 What to Avoid Saying
Even with the best intentions, some phrases can unintentionally make someone feel misunderstood or discouraged. Try to avoid statements like:
• “Just snap out of it.”
• “Other people have it worse.”
• “You’ll be fine.”
• “You have nothing to be depressed about.”
• “Just think positive.”
• “You’re overreacting.”
• “You should be stronger than this.”
Instead, focus on listening, acknowledging their feelings, and letting them know they don’t have to face things alone.
❤️ Remember
You don’t have to fix the problem.
Your role is to listen, care, and encourage them to seek help when they need it. Sometimes simply being present and showing compassion can be the first step toward hope.
You don’t have to have the perfect words. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is, ‘I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.’
Every person responds to stress differently. While occasional changes in mood or behavior are a normal part of life, persistent or significant changes may indicate that someone is struggling and could benefit from additional support.
Pay attention to changes that seem unusual for your loved one or continue over time. These changes do not necessarily mean someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, but they may be an opportunity to check in, start a conversation, and encourage them to seek help if needed.
Common Changes to Watch For
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed.
• Noticeable changes in mood, including sadness, anger, irritability, anxiety, or hopelessness.
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies, or daily responsibilities.
• Increased risk-taking or reckless behavior.
• Talking about feeling like a burden or that others would be better off without them.
• Giving away treasured possessions or unexpectedly putting personal affairs in order.
• Expressing feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness.
❤️ Remember
One warning sign by itself does not always indicate a crisis. However, if you notice multiple changes, a significant shift in behavior, or simply feel that something isn’t right, trust your instincts and reach out with compassion. A caring conversation today may help prevent a crisis tomorrow.
Understanding the Warning Signs
Everyone experiences stress, sadness, and difficult days. Recognizing the warning signs isn’t about making a diagnosis—it’s about noticing meaningful changes that may suggest someone is struggling and could benefit from support.
Often, the people closest to us are the first to notice when something has changed. Paying attention to those changes and responding with compassion can make an important difference.
Common Warning Signs
• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed.
• Noticeable changes in mood, including sadness, anger, irritability, anxiety, or hopelessness.
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits.
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
• Increased alcohol or drug use.
• Loss of interest in work, hobbies, or daily responsibilities.
• Increased risk-taking or reckless behavior.
• Talking about feeling trapped, hopeless, or like a burden to others.
• Giving away treasured possessions or unexpectedly putting personal affairs in order.
• Expressing feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or believing others would be better off without them.
How You Can Help
Supporting someone doesn’t mean you have to solve every problem or have all the answers. Often, the most meaningful thing you can do is simply be present, listen without judgment, and remind them they don’t have to face life’s challenges alone.
Small acts of kindness and consistent support can make a significant difference.
Practical Ways to Help
Listen Without Judgment
Give them your full attention. Let them talk without interrupting, minimizing their feelings, or trying to immediately solve the problem.
Check In Regularly
A simple text message, phone call, or visit can remind someone that they are cared for.
Examples:
“Just checking on you today.”
“I’ve been thinking about you.”
“How are you doing today?”
Encourage Professional Support
If they seem open to it, encourage them to speak with a mental health professional, chaplain, trusted leader, or healthcare provider.
If they’re serving on active duty, let them know about The Brandon Act and offer to help them understand the process.
Offer Practical Help
Sometimes everyday tasks can feel overwhelming.
Offer to:
• Drive them to an appointment.
• Sit with them during a difficult day.
• Help with errands.
• Bring a meal.
• Watch their children.
• Simply spend time together.
Be Patient
Recovery takes time.
There may be good days and difficult days.
Continue showing kindness, patience, and support even when progress feels slow.
Respect Their Privacy
Allow them to share at their own pace.
Avoid pressuring them to talk before they’re ready.
❤️ Remember
You don’t have to carry this burden alone.
Supporting someone means walking beside them—not carrying them by yourself.
Professional help, family, friends, chaplains, and community resources all have an important role.
You don’t have to have the perfect words. You simply have to let someone know they matter.
You Are Making a Difference
Never underestimate the impact of simply showing up.
A conversation.
A phone call.
A text message.
A listening ear.
These small acts of compassion can remind someone that they are valued, supported, and never alone.
Knowing When Immediate Help Is Needed
Most conversations about mental health can begin with patience, compassion, and encouragement. However, there are times when a situation requires immediate action to help keep someone safe.
If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger of harming themselves or someone else, do not wait. Trust your instincts and seek emergency assistance right away.
Signs That Immediate Help May Be Needed
Seek immediate help if the person:
• Talks about wanting to die or end their life.
• Has a plan or access to the means to harm themselves.
• Says goodbye to loved ones or gives away important belongings.
• Expresses feelings of having no hope or no reason to live.
• Appears to be in severe emotional distress or unable to keep themselves safe.
• Is experiencing a mental health crisis that places themselves or others in immediate danger.
What You Can Do
If you believe someone is in immediate danger:
- Call 911 or your local emergency services.
- Contact the Veterans/Military Crisis Line by calling 988, then Press 1, or by texting 838255.
- Stay with the person, if it is safe to do so, until help arrives.
- Remove access to firearms, medications, or other means of self-harm, but only if you can do so safely.
- Remain calm. Speak in a reassuring voice and let them know they are not alone.
❤️ Remember
You are not overreacting by asking for help.
It is always better to seek assistance and discover the situation was less serious than to wait and wish you had acted sooner.
You Are Not Alone
Supporting someone during a crisis can be frightening and emotionally overwhelming. Remember that you are not expected to handle it by yourself. Emergency responders, healthcare professionals, chaplains, crisis counselors, and mental health providers are there to help both you and the person you care about.
Supporting Yourself While Supporting Others
Caring for someone who is struggling with their mental health can be emotionally exhausting. You may feel worried, overwhelmed, frustrated, or even helpless at times. These feelings are normal.
Supporting someone else begins with recognizing that your own well-being matters, too. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
Taking care of yourself allows you to continue being a source of strength, encouragement, and support for the person you care about.
Ways to Care for Yourself
Talk to Someone You Trust
Share your thoughts and feelings with a trusted friend, family member, counselor, chaplain, or support group. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
Take Breaks Without Feeling Guilty
It’s okay to step away, rest, and recharge. Taking time for yourself doesn’t mean you’ve stopped caring—it means you’re caring for yourself so you can continue helping others.
Maintain Your Own Health
Try to:
• Get enough sleep.
• Eat nourishing meals.
• Stay physically active.
• Spend time doing things that bring you peace or joy.
Even small acts of self-care can improve your ability to cope with stress.
Know Your Limits
You are an important source of support, but you are not expected to solve every problem or provide professional mental health care.
Encourage your loved one to connect with qualified professionals and remember that it’s okay to ask others for help.
Give Yourself Grace
There may be days when you question whether you’re doing enough. Remember that showing up with love, compassion, and consistency is often more valuable than having all the answers.
Be patient with yourself, just as you’re being patient with the person you care about.
❤️ Remember
Supporting someone else doesn’t mean carrying their struggles by yourself.
Asking for help, accepting support, and caring for your own mental health are signs of strength—not weakness.
You Matter Too
Your health, your well-being, and your peace of mind matter.
By taking care of yourself, you’re better able to continue supporting the people you love while also protecting your own emotional and physical health.
The same kindness, compassion, and patience you offer to someone you love are gifts you deserve to give yourself as well.
❤️ A Final Thought
If someone you love is struggling, remember this:
You don’t have to know exactly what to say.
You don’t have to have every answer.
You simply have to let them know they matter.
Your kindness, your patience, and your willingness to be present may become the reason someone chooses to keep going.
Never underestimate the power of showing someone they are loved.