For Families & Caregivers
Guidance for those supporting loved ones through mental health challenges
You Are Not Alone
Watching a loved one struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges can be heartbreaking. You want to help but may not know how. You may feel exhausted, confused, or even guilty for needing support yourself.
These feelings are normal. Supporting someone with mental health challenges is demanding, and you need wisdom, compassion, and care for yourself as well.
How to Help Your Loved One
1. Listen Without Judging
Create a safe space where your loved one can share honestly without fear of criticism. You don't need to fix everything—sometimes presence is enough.
- "I'm here for you."
- "That sounds really hard."
- "You're not alone in this."
- "It's okay to not be okay."
Avoid saying:
- "Just pray more."
- "Others have it worse."
- "Snap out of it."
- "It's all in your head."
2. Encourage Professional Help
Mental health conditions often require professional treatment. Encouraging your loved one to see a counselor or doctor is one of the best things you can do.
- Offer to help find a Christian counselor
- Offer to go with them to appointments
- Research insurance coverage or sliding scale options
- Normalize therapy as a wise step, not a failure
Use our Counselor Directory to find qualified Christian therapists.
3. Pray For and With Them
Prayer is powerful, but it should accompany—not replace—professional help. Ask how you can pray specifically for them.
- Pray for wisdom, healing, and peace
- Pray for the right counselor or doctor
- Pray for strength to take next steps
- Pray for yourself as a caregiver
"Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
— Galatians 6:2
4. Watch for Warning Signs
Know when to seek immediate help. If your loved one is in crisis, act quickly.
- Talking about suicide or wanting to die
- Looking for ways to end their life
- Extreme mood swings
- Withdrawing from everyone
- Increased substance use
- Giving away possessions
- Saying goodbye as if for the last time
If someone is in immediate danger:
Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)
Text HOME to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)
Call 911 if life-threatening
5. Communicate With Compassion
How you talk matters. Be patient, gentle, and affirming—even when it's hard.
- Ask: "What can I do to help right now?"
- Validate: "Your feelings are real and valid."
- Affirm: "You are loved, and I'm not giving up on you."
- Offer: "Can I sit with you?" or "Can I help with dinner?"
Small, practical help (meals, errands, childcare) can be more meaningful than big words.
6. Educate Yourself
Learn about your loved one's condition. Understanding helps you respond with wisdom and patience.
- Read books on mental health and faith
- Talk to counselors or doctors
- Join support groups for caregivers
- Explore trusted Christian resources
Visit our Resource Library for books, podcasts, and articles.
Caring for Yourself
You cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is not selfish—it's necessary.
Set Healthy Boundaries
You can love someone without taking responsibility for their healing. It's okay to say, "I need a break" or "I can't do that right now."
- You are not their therapist—encourage professional help
- You can't control their choices
- It's okay to have limits
- Protect your own mental health
Find Support for Yourself
Caregivers need care too. Find people who understand what you're going through.
- Join a caregiver support group
- Talk to a counselor yourself
- Lean on trusted friends
- Be honest with your church community
Use our Support Group Finder to find caregiver groups.
Practice Self-Compassion
You will make mistakes. You will feel overwhelmed. You will wonder if you're doing enough. Give yourself grace.
- You're doing the best you can
- Guilt doesn't help anyone
- Rest is not laziness
- God's grace covers your imperfections
Maintain Your Rhythms
Don't abandon the practices that keep you healthy. Protect your sleep, exercise, quiet time with God, and connections with friends.
- Prioritize sleep and nutrition
- Keep your spiritual disciplines
- Stay connected to community
- Take breaks when needed
When to Seek Emergency Help
If your loved one is actively suicidal, has a plan, or has attempted suicide, this is a medical emergency.
Do Not Leave Them Alone
Stay with them or ensure someone else is with them.
Call for Help Immediately
Call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 911 if life-threatening.
Remove Means of Self-Harm
Remove medications, weapons, or other dangerous items.
Listen and Reassure
Tell them you care and help is available. Avoid arguing or dismissing their pain.
Additional Resources
A Word of Hope
Supporting someone through mental health struggles is one of the most Christ-like things you can do. Jesus came to bind up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1), and He invites you to partner with Him in that work.
You may not see immediate results. Your loved one may resist help. Progress may be slow. But your faithful presence, prayers, and compassion matter more than you know.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
— Galatians 6:9
Keep loving. Keep praying. Keep pointing them to Jesus. And remember to care for yourself along the way.