Family & Supporter Resource Kit
Support that helps the whole family.
Supporting someone with a mental health or memory concern can bring questions, uncertainty and strong emotions. These free tools help families, partners, friends and chosen supporters understand what is happening, talk without judgment, find care and protect their own well-being.
Understanding mental health
Lead with respect, not labels.
Learn the facts, listen to the person’s experience, and remind them that help is available.
You are more than a diagnosis
A mental health condition does not define who someone is. Everyone deserves respect, compassion and support.
It is common
About 1 in 5 U.S. adults lived with a mental illness in 2022. Your family is not alone.
Help works
Mental health conditions can be treated. Support may include therapy, medication, peer support and care tailored to each person.
Changes are worth noticing
Changes in sleep, mood, concentration, appetite or daily functioning that last can be a sign it is time to seek support.
One conversation can start it
A primary care provider, counselor or 988 can help you explore what is happening and find next steps.
Urgent help does not need to wait
If someone is thinking about suicide, call or text 988. Call 911 if a life is in immediate danger.
Sources: NIMH: Mental Illness Statistics, NIMH: Depression, SAMHSA: For Families and Friends, SAMHSA: 988 Frequently Asked Questions.
Starting a supportive conversation
What to say, and how to listen.
You don’t need perfect words. Listen without judgment, express concern, ask questions and offer practical help.
To open
- “I’ve noticed things have been hard lately. How are you feeling?”
- “I care about you, and I’m here to listen.”
- “You don’t have to have the words. We can just sit together.”
To listen
- “That sounds really hard.”
- “Tell me more about that.”
- “It makes sense that you feel that way.”
To offer help
- “What kind of support would feel useful?”
- “Would you like help finding someone to talk to?”
- “Can I drive you, or sit with you while you call?”
Try to avoid
- “Just snap out of it.”
- “Others have it worse.”
- “It’s all in your head.”
- Labels like “crazy” or “psycho”
Helpful tools
Nine printable tools in one kit.
Each tool is included in the branded PDF kit. Print what you need, or fill it in together.
Conversation Preparation Worksheet
Plan what you’ve noticed, when to talk and how to open a caring conversation.
Conversation Cards
Cut-out cards with phrases to open, listen and offer help, plus what to avoid.
Appointment Questions and Notes
Questions to bring to a provider and space to capture answers and next steps.
Weekly Check-in Sheet
A gentle weekly look at sleep, mood, connection and what helped, focused on needs and preferences.
Practical-Help Checklist
Share the load: meals, rides, childcare, appointments and errands, with who and when.
Preparing for a Memory Appointment
Track changes, medications and questions to bring to a medical evaluation.
A Caregiver’s First Week
Four first steps for families beginning to care for an older loved one.
Caregiver Well-Being Plan
Your own warning signs, supports, routines and respite plan.
Support and Crisis Contact List
Providers, trusted supporters and crisis lines in one place.
These tools help families offer practical support and connection to care. They are not a substitute for professional assessment or treatment.
Navigating care together
Five steps toward the right support.
Understand
Ask what help your loved one wants, in their words.
Explore
Identify possible providers or services together.
Remove barriers
Talk through cost, insurance, transport, language, time and privacy.
Connect
Offer to help make the call or come to the first appointment.
Check in
Agree on how and when you will check in afterward.
Support the supporter
Caregivers need care too.
Supporting someone you love can be exhausting. Family counseling, support groups and family peer support can provide information, referrals, help navigating services and connection with people who understand. Your health matters to them, and to you.
- Notice your own warning signs: poor sleep, irritability, isolation
- Share the load with a practical-help plan
- Book one session for yourself
- Plan respite so you can rest
Recognize when urgent help is needed
If someone is thinking about suicide or is in danger
988
Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org, 24/7. You can contact 988 about someone else.
Call 911 if a life is in immediate danger.
Trusted resources
Where to turn.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
988
Call, text or chat 988lifeline.org, 24/7. For yourself or someone you’re worried about. Visit
Emergency
911
When a life is in immediate danger or there is a medical emergency.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357
Free, confidential treatment referral and information, 24/7. Visit
FindTreatment.gov
findtreatment.gov
Search for mental health and substance use treatment near you. Visit
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116
Call or text to find local services for older adults and families. Visit