When a loved one is diagnosed with a mental illness or substance abuse disorder, it can be scary and confusing for family and friends. Remember that the person diagnosed with the illness is also feeling overwhelmed. Although it’s not the case, when a person hears their diagnosis they sometimes feel like life as they knew it is over.

What to say and what not to say   Approximately, 61.5 million Americans or 1 in 4 adults, experience a mental illness in any given year, meaning millions more are trying to figure out how to support a friend or family member.