When someone you love is struggling w ith their mental health, you’re bound to want to support them. We get that. A big recommendation is that it's important to approach their situation with deep empathy and understanding. 

By engaging in open and supportive chats you can help create a ‘safe space’ for them to feel comfortable enough to share their feelings and experiences. But it can be hard to know how to approach the subject of their mental health and knowing the right questions to ask is helpful.

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In this blog, we've explored some effective questions to ask someone who is going through a challenging time with their mental health. There can be a million ways to ask the following questions in your own ‘voice’ - but here are some starters.

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"How are you feeling today?"

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Yes. It’s a simple but powerful question. By asking someone about their current emotional state you can open the door for them to express themselves honestly and authentically. By asking someone like this, it shows them that you genuinely care about their well-being and are interested in understanding their feelings.

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At Chatterbox we’ve noticed that so many of us have a habit of answering ‘fine’ or ‘yip good’ when asked how we’re feeling, even if we’re not.  If you suspect this has happened, look at your friend in the eyes and ask them again.  They may be trying to find the courage to answer honestly themselves and another prompt could help them. 

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"Wanna chat about what you're going through?"

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This question gives your loved one an opportunity to decide if they are ready to share their struggles. It shows that you're available to listen without imposing your own agenda or expectations. It gives them an opening to explain what they’re experiencing, and shows them you’re interested in hearing about it.

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"What’s been on your mind lately?"

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This open-ended question allows them to discuss any thoughts, concerns, or issues they've been grappling with. It makes them think about what they’ve been feeling or thinking about and it could encourage them to share what's been weighing on them. It’s a good way to try to get them to explore their thoughts in a supportive environment, without the bravado or ‘she’ll be right’ responses.

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"How has your mental health been impacting your daily life?"

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This can be a really good question to show that you understand that mental health challenges can have a big impact on various aspects of a person's life. It encourages them to reflect on the specific ways their mental health struggles have affected their day-to-day activities, relationships, and overall well-being. By starting this conversation it can lead to them feeling more open about finding ways to get more support to improve their daily life.

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"What kind of support do you feel you need right now?"

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This question empowers the person to articulate their needs and preferences for what support they’re interested in. It shows your willingness to support them in a way that aligns with their comfort and desires. Whether it's offering a listening ear, accompanying them to appointments, or exploring available resources together - they know they have you to support them.

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"Have you spoken to a mental health professional about what you're going through?"

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Asking this question allows you to gauge whether they have sought professional help or considered it and also gives them an opportunity to reflect on the solutions they’ve investigated already.  If they haven't, you could gently encourage them to consider reaching out to a mental health professional who is equipped to provide the necessary support and guidance. GPs can refer patients to them, but you can also approach different organisations directly for support.

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"Is there anything that helps you cope with your challenges?"

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By asking about their coping mechanisms, you open the conversation to potential strategies that have worked for them in the past. It could include activities such as exercise, spending time in nature, journaling, meditation, or engaging in creative outlets. 

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This question allows them to focus on their strengths and discover healthy coping mechanisms. It may be that you could work through a plan together to re-introduce those mechanisms back into their life and see what improvements they may gain from these.

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"How can I support you at the moment and ongoing?"

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This question shows your willingness to provide support tailored to their needs and that it’s not going to be a one time only conversation. It allows them to express their wants, whether it's having someone to talk to, spending time together, or engaging in activities that bring them joy. It reinforces the idea that you're there for them without assuming what they may need.

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Engaging in meaningful conversations with someone struggling with their mental health can make a significant difference in their well-being. By asking the right questions, you create an environment of trust, empathy, and support. 

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Remember to approach these chats with sensitivity, actively listen without judgement, and respect their boundaries. 

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Ultimately, your compassion and willingness to listen and understand can help them feel heard, validated, and supported on their journey toward mental health and well-being.

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