Supporting Others Safely: Understanding Boundaries
When someone is struggling with their mental health, it is natural to want to help.
Providing support, listening and showing compassion can make a significant difference. However, it is important to recognise the limits of your role and maintain appropriate boundaries.
What You Can Do
You can:
- listen without judgement
- show empathy and concern
- encourage the person to seek support
- help them access information and services
- raise a concern where appropriate
- support them to identify practical next steps
- check in on their wellbeing
Often, simply knowing that somebody cares can be incredibly valuable.
What You Are Not Expected to Do
You are not expected to:
- act as a counsellor or therapist
- be available at all times
- manage someone's mental health on your own
- keep secrets where there are safety concerns
- take responsibility for another person's actions or decisions
- place your own wellbeing at risk
Supporting someone does not mean carrying sole responsibility for their welfare.
Confidentiality and Safety
If someone shares information that suggests they may be at risk of harming themselves or others, or that there are significant safeguarding concerns, it may be necessary to seek advice or share information with appropriate services.
Where possible, be honest about this from the outset.
For example:
"I will respect your privacy, but if I become concerned about your safety or someone else's safety, I may need to seek support or advice."
Looking After Yourself
Supporting somebody who is struggling can be emotionally demanding.
It is important to:
- recognise your own limits
- seek advice when needed
- access support yourself if you are affected
- take breaks where appropriate
- maintain your own wellbeing
You cannot effectively support others if your own wellbeing is being significantly impacted.
Remember
You do not need to have all the answers.
Your role is not to solve every problem.
Your role is to listen, show compassion, encourage support and seek help when concerns exceed what you can reasonably manage yourself.