When people around us, whether it be loved ones or a colleague at work, suffer mental ill health or poor wellbeing it can be distressing. This is because you are worried about them and maybe unsure how to help.

Knowing how to help your family, friends, colleagues and neighbours is important for people to feel that they are not alone and that they can talk about any problems they are facing. This makes conversations around mental health and wellbeing more likely to take place, creating an open dialogue where people can be honest and be free of judgement.

There are different ways you can help others. Including by:

  1. Firstly, encouraging them to talk about their feelings – ask someone how they are or how their day has gone.
  2. Being a good listener. Using active listening to let the person speak freely without interrupting them or necessarily offering solutions, unless they are seeking your advice and guidance. Let them share as much or as little as they want to.
  3. Offering emotional support. Be patient and reassure them.
  4. Don’t underestimate the problems they face – even if something seems trivial or insignificant to you.
  5. Offer practical support and encourage them to think of ideas for self-help, such as making a support plan.
  6. Encourage them to seek professional help and guidance, e.g. GP, A&E, counselling etc.
  7. Remember to look after yourself. As well as helping others, it is equally important to look after yourself and not take too much on, especially if this will have a detrimental impact on your own mental health and wellbeing. Someone might tell you something and you are not sure how to respond or deal with it, so it is important to have those support mechanisms in place so you know who you can rely on for advice.
  8. Look out for signs and changes in behaviour. Is someone distancing themselves or not replying to messages? Talking about feeling worthless, hopeless or trapped? Not doing the things they usually enjoy? Finding day-to-day tasks difficult, may indicate that they are struggling? Check out Samaritans for more information and guidance.

Useful Resources