, so much so that even picking up the phone feels insurmountable. Navigating the healthcare system during these crisis moments can be out of reach, so asking how you can be helpful for a close friend can sometimes be the most effective form of support.
Ask your loved one questions like,"What insurance do you use?""Who is your PCP?""Can I help you write up a note in your patient portal to get a referral to a mental health provider?" You can even look at mental health provider bios and make recommendations on who you think would be the best fit. Helping them make the first inroads to seeking help can help them take that first step forward.
When navigating sensitive conversations, universally we all just want to be understood and not judged. Sharing your own experience with mental health can help bridge those gaps and even the playing field of the discussion.