Caring for someone who is in the midst of a mental health battle is difficult. It can be worrisome and even frustrating if you don’t know how to help. As a licensed psychotherapist, I spend my days with those who have a deep wish to care for their loved ones who are struggling as well as those who are struggling themselves. This has given me a nuanced perspective on how folks can show up meaningfully without feeling drained. Here’s the secret: It is a combination of words of affirmation, useful tools, and thoughtful gestures.

It can be difficult to find the right words of support, let alone tangible acts of service and gifts that show you care. That’s why I’m here to share some therapist-approved tools you can use to support your loved one. Everything I recommend has been tested by me or a member of the Everyday Health team, which is made up of health and wellness experts, writers, and industry veterans. Rest assured, help is here – let us show you a path to wellness.

All of the love and care in the world isn’t a replacement for professional support. This isn’t meant to be dismissive or leave you feeling like you’re falling short; it's to provide a helpful reminder that you don’t have to carry it all by yourself. Connecting your loved one to therapy is one of the most compassionate things you can do.

Brightside Health is an online therapy platform specializing in anxiety and depression, offering both therapy and psychiatry services. It also features a unique suicide prevention therapy program, which is especially important since it is rare to find crisis care through a telehealth platform. So if you’re worried about your loved one’s safety, Brightside Health is a great resource.

I had a chance to test out their services and was impressed with the quality of care I received, having had a fantastic experience with the therapist I worked with. My therapist was warm and was easy to connect with. Her style was structured, and I left every session with actionable tools.

Something that is especially impressive about Brightside Health is its affordability. You’ll never pay more than $350 a month for both therapy and psychiatry services. This is noteworthy — in Los Angeles, where I live (which is admittedly a high-cost-of-living area), a single therapy session begins around $200 and can shoot upwards of $300. Plus, Brightside accepts major insurance plans and some Medicare and Medicaid plans, which is unusual in the online therapy space.

If you have the means and your loved one is struggling financially, offering to cover some of their monthly plan can be a great way to help them get started.

Medication can be an important part of a person’s healing journey. It is best to see a psychiatrist, a board-certified doctor who specializes in the treatment of mental health. Talkiatry stands out as an online psychiatry service because of how much time you’ll spend with your provider. The initial Talkiatry session lasts 60 minutes, and follow-ups are 30 minutes, which is twice as long as its competitors’ sessions. This increased time allows your loved one to build a more connected relationship, while the provider gains a robust clinical picture to help determine which medications to prescribe.

Talkiatry also offers therapy services, which is a benefit if your loved one would like therapeutic support as well and wishes to have all of their treatment needs met through one platform. Services are also available for children ages 5 and up, so you can help the struggling kiddo in your life get connected to support.

Talkiatry treats a wide variety of mental health disorders, including ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and more. Best of all, every Talkiatry provider is in-network with major insurance plans, making its services that much more accessible.

In short, if your loved one is considering medication, encourage them to check out Talkiatry.

When in the depths of mental anguish, combing through therapy directories in hopes of landing on someone you connect with who happens to accept your insurance is simply unrealistic. Luckily, there’s Talkspace. It is in-network with a ton of major insurance companies, including Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, and more. Plus, I like that it matches folks with a therapist, and how easy it is to switch providers at any time, so your loved one doesn’t have to do any heavy lifting while they’re feeling poorly.

Don’t have insurance? No worries. Talkspace also offers affordable subscription options. You can expect to pay $69-$109 per week out of pocket, which is still less than most private pay options.

I had a chance to try out the platform. As a therapist specializing in trauma, I was prepared to be extra scrutinous. Instead, I experienced warm, depth-focused care with a talented clinician.

So, if your loved one needs help processing their trauma, Innerwell is a good place to start.

Stimulating various senses is a grounding technique I use with clients, offering them something cuddly, scented, or uniquely textured to bring them out of their heads and into the present moment. Weight, scent, texture, and childhood nostalgia all come together with this weighted sloth stuffed animal from Warmies, making it a fantastic tool to have on hand. Something that we especially loved about this stuffie was that it was supportive for the whole family. “We used ours when my son got an ear infection, when I get cramps, migraines, neck pain, or a sinus infection,” shared editorial director Simone Scully. Even her husband snuggled up with it when he was having some jaw pain. I imagine someone reaching for this when they’re having an especially tough day.

A stress ball is great to have on hand when navigating stressful or frustrating situations. I especially like these tools to keep in desk drawers, since dealing with even minor work drama can feel catastrophic when you’re already having a rough mental health day. “They feel higher quality than other squishies like this,” said writer and editor Olivia Campbell. She appreciated how quiet and subtle this stress ball is, so your loved one can easily use it at work without attracting unwanted attention. She also noted that it doesn’t attract hair or lint, a practical benefit we love.

There’s nothing like the soothing pressure of a soft weighted blanket to quell anxiety. This one from Bearaby is also easy on the eyes. It’s a luxe treat that provides practical support and will look great in their home. Unlike some weighted blankets that look like a plain comforter, this one looks like a plush knit blanket. It is also made of TENCEL, which offers cooling properties. “I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety lately, but when I use this (or sleep with it), I actually do feel myself relax into it – it’s one of the few things that works,” shared Scully.

I often encourage my clients to take notes on how they’re feeling between sessions. Whether it is a passing thought, a random memory that surfaces, or an issue they want to tackle in their next session, having a journal to jot it all down in is helpful. The birth month mini journal from Rifle Paper Co. is petite enough to toss in a purse or backpack, ensuring they don’t miss a thought. Scully noted that she loved the embroidery and generally found the journal to be stunning. It even inspired her to return to journaling more consistently. There’s nothing like the soothing pressure of a soft weighted blanket to quell anxiety. This one from Bearaby is also easy on the eyes. It’s a luxe treat that provides practical support and will look great in their home. Unlike some weighted blankets that look like a plain comforter, this one looks like a plush knit blanket. It is also made of TENCEL, which offers cooling properties. “I’ve been dealing with a lot of anxiety lately, but when I use this (or sleep with it), I actually do feel myself relax into it – it’s one of the few things that works,” shared Scully.

Relaxation, sleep, and exercise can all help you get out of a mental health rut, but getting started can be the hardest part. Each of these gifts is practical while feeling special. From a small gesture to a big splurge, there’s something for every person and any budget.

A long soak in the tub can feel so soothing and, honestly, much needed during a rough time. But even drawing a bath can feel overwhelming on a dark day. The Gratitude Box from GIFTED by Free From features a thick body lotion, a soothing lavender-rosemary bath soak, and an invigorating lavender-eucalyptus bar of soap. I had a chance to try this box out and enjoyed how easy this box made it for me to relax. Plus, all GIFTED employees, including those who made these products, are survivors of gender-based violence. That means 100% of proceeds go towards supporting survivors in building their futures — which might be especially meaningful for a loved one who has been through similar challenges.

Depression and anxiety, amongst other mental health disorders, can take a toll on daily functioning. It isn’t uncommon for seemingly small tasks to feel insurmountable, making hygiene, sleep, and regular meals difficult to manage. Here are some practical gifts you can offer them that will help keep day-to-day tasks on track.

When working with a client who is suffering from a substantially decreased appetite due to depression, I encourage them to start drinking protein shakes. It can be an easy way to get some nutrients in. Unfortunately, all too many protein powders have an awful aftertaste. Luckily, Quince organic plant protein isn’t chalky and tastes great. Swanson loved it, noting that vanilla was her favorite flavor, comparing it to classic vanilla ice cream. “This would be good for anyone [who] is looking for a good tasting plant-based protein powder to help them with their health journey,” she explained. You can have this ordered to your loved one’s doorstep for a simple, thoughtful, and helpful offering.

First, gauge where they are at. Something as basic as asking how they’ve been lately can open the floor to chat about what they’re struggling with. Jumping in with a slew of recommendations might seem like you’re being helpful, but it can actually feel overwhelming to the person struggling. Amy Rice, PhD, PMH-C, a California-based licensed psychologist and cofounder of Golden Gate Counseling Services, noted that firing off solutions can feel dismissive. “What your loved one needs is a listening ear,” she said. A simple yet validating statement could go a long way. “Try saying, ‘That sounds really hard. It makes sense that you’re overwhelmed,’” she suggested.

I’ve noticed that when I feel tempted to offer quick solutions, I’m actually feeling uncomfortable with watching someone I love suffer. This self-awareness has allowed me to pull back from trying to “fix it,” and instead be present with them in their pain. This alone can feel deeply healing.

Dr. Rice also mentioned that practical support is a great move. “Offering specific practical help is the next best step, like bringing dinner over once a week or offering to help with childcare so they can have a few hours back for themselves,” she explained. That’s where something as simple as a meal delivery service or filtered water bottle can have a huge impact.

Rice also encouraged loved ones to take care of themselves. This is another key issue I work on with clients who are worried about people close to them. It’s important that folks pay attention to their energy levels and do something that feels nourishing when they start to feel depleted. I am always celebratory of folks seeking out their own professional care.

Whether your mental health is being impacted by the worry you have for a loved one, or if you’re just having a hard time, you are equally deserving of care. All the resources shared in this guide apply to you, too. Set yourself up with care by reaching out to a mental health professional. Make day-to-day life easier with pre-prepared meals and at-home workout equipment.

Something else to keep in mind is the origin of your mental health struggles. If your mental health is beginning to suffer due to the amount of support you’re offering a struggling loved one, it is time to implement boundaries. “It is important to remember that you can’t be everything for someone,” shared Maryland-based psychotherapist Bailey Taylor, M.S., LCPC. She notes that there is a risk of burnout and resentment coming up if you’re overextending yourself.