What is when offering help to a friend with a mental health condition what should you not do everfi?

When offering help to a friend with a mental health condition, it's crucial to be supportive and avoid actions that could be harmful or invalidating. Here are some things you should never do:

• Don't minimize their feelings: Avoid saying things like "It's all in your head," "Just snap out of it," or "Everyone feels like that sometimes." These statements dismiss their experience and make them feel unheard and invalidated. They need to feel validated as explained in this page: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Validating%20feelings.

• Don't offer unsolicited advice or try to "fix" them: Unless they specifically ask for advice, resist the urge to tell them what they should do. You are not a therapist. Focus on listening and providing emotional support, not solutions. More on this: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Offering%20unsolicited%20advice.

• Don't pressure them to talk if they're not ready: While it's important to let them know you're there for them, don't force them to open up before they're comfortable. Respect their boundaries and allow them to share at their own pace. You can read more about the importance of respecting boundaries: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Respecting%20boundaries

• Don't break their confidence: If they confide in you, keep their information private unless they are in immediate danger of harming themselves or others. Breaking their trust can severely damage your relationship and discourage them from seeking help in the future. Related information: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Confidentiality.

• Don't enable unhealthy behaviors: If your friend is engaging in behaviors that are detrimental to their mental health (e.g., substance abuse, self-harm), don't enable these behaviors by covering for them or participating in them. Encourage them to seek professional help. Further reading: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Enabling%20unhealthy%20behaviors.

• Don't judge or stigmatize them: Mental health conditions are not a sign of weakness or personal failing. Avoid making judgmental or stigmatizing comments, as this can further isolate and shame your friend. To further understand this https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Stigmatization.

• Don't diagnose them: You are not qualified to diagnose a mental health condition. Encourage them to seek professional evaluation and treatment from a qualified mental health professional. Read more about this: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Diagnosing%20mental%20health.