RELATED: Which of These Women Has a Mental Illness?
“Listen without judgement,” says Chirlane, who’s working with her husband, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, to change the conversation about mental illness with their Thrive NYC initiative. “Make sure the person is not in any immediate danger…It’s all about listening very carefully to what the person is saying and how they’re saying it.”
Remember to take what your friend is saying seriously, and understand that their mental illness is not just a phase that will pass, Amy says. She adds that it’s essential to specifically ask your friend, “What can I do for you?”
RELATED: Being a Woman Puts You at Higher Risk for These 5 Mental Disorders
Aleksandra Stone, one of the women who shared her personal experience with mental illness in our May issue, also weighed in. “One of the best things a friend or family member can do is to know their limits,” says Aleksandra. “Listen carefully and empathetically but…understand that you cannot replace the benefits and resources that a mental health professional possesses.”
The bottom line: Mental illness is an issue that affects all of us, directly or indirectly. And talking about it helps.
Go to our Mental Health Awareness center for more stories from real women and to find out how you can help break the stigma surrounding mental illness.