How to Support a Mate

Do you have a mate or loved one in your life that you feel is struggling?

Trust the signs and start an important conversation. Some signs that they may need a helping hand with their mental health include:

They aren’t able to switch off
Isolating themselves from their usual social groups or friendships
Experiencing mood swings and changing their behaviour
They have lost interest in something they previously loved
They are lacking in self esteem
Previously experienced the loss of someone close to them
You know they have dealt with external pressures such as financial, work, health or relationship issues
Showing less interest in taking care of their appearance or personal hygiene

How can you support a mate you are worried about?

1 Check in with them

Pick a suitable time and place to catch up, preferably in person or on a phone call, and ask if they are okay. This could sound like “Hey I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself lately. Is everything okay?”

2 Listen

The best thing we can do for our mates when they trust us with their story is to listen without judgement and without trying to fix any problems for them.

3 Offer Tools

Once you have listened to what is happening for your mate, you can offer them tools to seek help. You may like to give them a printed or online version of this Little Black Book or point them in the direction of visiting their local GP as a first step.

Being a good mate is about supporting a person and genuinely listening to what they have to say. You don’t have to be an expert or necessarily have any of the answers to their problems, just the ability to listen.

You should always follow up from your initial conversation to keep the lines of communication open. If your mate is not ready to open up, there is no need to force them but just keep checking in regularly so that they know they are important to you.