There are things you can do to support someone who is going through a difficult time. For example, if they have mental health difficulties such as anxiety or depression.
Many people find that listening helps. But you can get support if you are not sure what to do.
Ask, listen and offer your support
The best thing you can do is listen to the person. You could also help them get counselling or other types of mental health support if they need it.
Try talking directly to them about your concerns. People often want to talk but find it hard to start the conversation. Most people will turn to a friend or family for support during tough times. Being there for them can help.
You could:
- ask them how they are feeling
- talk about your concerns and the things you have noticed
- give them time and space to tell you about what they are going through
- listen without interrupting, making comparisons, being judgemental or offering solutions
For many people, talking helps. It can be a huge relief for the other person to know you are there.
If you are still worried about them, encourage them to talk to a GP.
If they are worried about visiting their GP, you can offer to go with them.
If the person is a child, it can help to talk to them while you're doing another activity, such as driving or going for a walk. You can also talk directly to their GP about any concerns you have.
Helping someone with depression
Getting professional help
If you have concerns that someone might be unwell, you may need to get professional help.
If they use a mental health service
If the person has used or uses a mental health service, get in touch with the community mental health team (CMHT). Contact them even if the person is no longer using the service.
Ask for an appointment or ask to speak to the community mental health nurse. They will give you advice on what to do.
If they do not use a mental health service
If the person does not use a mental health service, encourage them to talk to their GP. A GP can recommend the right treatment or refer them for treatment.
Other supports
You could encourage them to talk to someone at an organisation that provides mental health supports and services. They can get advice from helplines or talk to or message someone at a listening service.
Some organisations offer free or low cost counselling. You could also bring them to a GP or to the emergency department.
Your Mental Health information line
You can call the information line any time to find out about:
- supports and services available to you
- how to access our services and other services that we fund
Freephone: 1800 111 888
Not ready to get help
Sometimes the person will not want to get help.
This can be difficult to accept when you have concerns about their mental health. But it is usually better that they go for help themselves.
It's important for them to accept that help is necessary. Making the decision to get help is an important part of the recovery process.
Continue to:
- listen to them
- let them know you are there for them
- share your concerns with them
- help them to find their own reasons to get support
Continue to encourage them to contact their GP. Offer to go with them to the first appointment if they think that would be helpful.
Accompanying someone to a mental health appointment
Recovery
If the person gets help, continue to support them.
Support from family and friends is an important part of recovery.
A danger to themselves or others
Sometimes a person will not want to get help - even though they are a danger to themselves or others.
Urgent advice: Phone 112 or 999 if you:
- feel you're at risk
- have been assaulted or threatened
Being admitted to mental health services
They may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment of their mental health.
This may not be what the person wants. It is the last resort in a crisis situation.
An ‘involuntary admission’ is when they are admitted to hospital against their will.
When an involuntary admission can happen
Mind your own wellbeing
When worrying about someone else, it's easy to forget about yourself. Find ways to look after yourself too. Get enough sleep and rest.