Adults who are suffering from neurodivergent-related mental health conditions, or mental health conditions in general alongside neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia or autism can often find themselves trapped, or unable to get support for their conditions. Supporting adults with these kinds of conditions can be difficult, but rest assured that there are ways to help both from a friend (at home), a family member as well as seeking professional help.
How to Support an Adult Suffering from Mental Health or Neurodivergent Conditions
If an adult is suffering from mental health conditions and also has a neurodivergent mind, getting through to them might be difficult and may not be as straightforward as it would be with a child, or someone close to you for that matter.
At Home
If the adult who is suffering from these conditions is someone at home, there are a few things you can do to support them through a tough time. Trying to speak to them, doing things they want to do or suggesting activities that can make them smile are all small activities that might help the adult open up to you. Opening up and writing things down can be the best way to support an adult at home. If the adult is comfortable with opening up and speaking to you about things, then further support can be provided and just being someone to turn to is sometimes the best way to be supportive.
As a Friend
Being a friend, or a colleague and seeing a friend struggle with a mental health condition, or struggle mentally with a neurodivergent condition can be very upsetting. Sometimes, people with both these kinds of conditions are not as forward when opening up as if they were related, or extremely close friends.
Just being a close friend and someone that your friend is able to talk to can make all the difference. Offering your support, or offering to take care of a task they’re doing, going out for drinks or to do something can be all that’s needed to help lift the spirits of your friend. Not only that, but checking in on them occasionally is also a great way to ensure your friends are not suffering alone.
Professional Help
Seeking professional help for both neurodivergent conditions as well as mental health conditions is one of the best ways to help, but is often overlooked by people suffering from the conditions because of stereotypes surrounding professional help. There are several free and always accessible organizations that offer support for neurodiverse conditions, and the mental health conditions that come along with them, such as Samaritans, Papyrus, CALM (Campaign against living miserably), as well as paid services. You can also get support and guidance from The Neurodiversity Hub: https://www.neurodiversityhub.org/
Why it’s Important to Support those who struggle with Mental Health and Neurodiverse Conditions
Supporting adults who struggle with neurodiverse-related mental health conditions is critical to ensuring their safety and wellbeing. Just being an open door or a listening ear for your friend, colleague, relative or anyone for that matter who suffers from mental health conditions with a neurodiverse condition. The goal is that they should not feel alone or hopeless. They need to know they have support and a friend.
Conclusion on Supporting those with Neurodiverse Mental Health Conditions
All in all, supporting adults who have been diagnosed with neurodiverse conditions can be crucial to ensuring that the adult’s well-being and mental health is stable and remains positive. This is not an easy journey for you or them but by being supportive and offering yourself and your time to help can be the first step to them opening up and being prepared to be supported.
