Thanksgiving is a time when people typically spend time with loved ones. But it may be hard for someone to think of reasons to be thankful, chipper or inviting over the Thanksgiving season when they are struggling with mental illness or grieving the loss of a loved one. So what can you do if you or a loved one are struggling with mental illness or grief?
Everyone displays mental and emotional struggles differently, but the signs that someone may be struggling with either often overlap. Some common signs of struggling mental health may be apathy, lack of coping skills, harmful behaviour towards themselves or others, mood swings such as extreme highs or depression-inducing lows, or altered behaviour that deviates from their norm.
When it comes to comforting someone in a time of grief/loss, it is sometimes hard to know what to say; and the worry over saying the wrong thing can lead one to say nothing, which can be worse for our grieving friends or family members. You can read some suggestions on things to say to a grieving loved one and help ease the worry of saying “the wrong thing”.
During this Thanksgiving season, while you’re spending time with your loved ones that may be experiencing mental illness or a loss, remember to communicate that your support and empathy for them are present and unconditional. It can mean so much for a person struggling to be reminded of having support from family and friends, and that can even help them towards getting the help they need.
