If you are worried about someone it can be difficult to know what to do. When you are aware there is an issue, it is important not to wait. Waiting and hoping they will come to you for help might lose valuable time in getting them support.
Repeat what they have said back to them to ensure you have understood it. You don’t have to agree with what they are saying, but by showing you understand how they feel, you are letting them know you respect their feelings.
You will have your own limits to the support that you can provide. And it’s important to take care of yourself too. Give yourself time to rest and process what they have told you or what’s happened. Try to help them create a support network of other friends, relatives and mental health professionals who can help them too.
People with mental health problems sometimes experience a crisis, such as feeling suicidal, or experiencing their own or a different reality. You may feel a sense of crisis too, but it’s important to stay calm yourself.