How to Approach Someone About Their Mental Health

The Best Way to Approach Someone About Their Mental Health

Maybe you’ve been asking yourself, how can I approach someone whose mental health I’m worried about? How can I help my friend who is struggling with anxiety or depression? Approaching someone about their mental health can be sensitive and challenging. 

Here are tips on how to do it in a supportive and caring manner.

Choosing the right time and place:

1. Find a Private Setting: Choose a quiet, private place where the person feels comfortable.
2. Ensure You Have Enough Time: Make sure you have enough time for a meaningful conversation without interruptions.
3. Choose a suitable setting: If you’re worried about their alcohol use make sure to avoid places where alcohol is the focus. 

Starting the Conversation:

1. Ask them if they have time to talk: if you think it’s going to be a tough conversation ask them beforehand if they have time for you to have a chat with them.
2. Express Concern: Begin by expressing your concern in a non-judgmental way. For example, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed distressed lately. Do you want to talk about it?”
3. Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage them to share by asking open-ended questions like, “How have you been feeling lately?”
4. If you have concerns about suicidality make sure to ask about this. 

Listening and Responding:

1. Listen Actively: Allow them to speak without interrupting. Show empathy through your body language and responses.
2. Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions. You might say, “I understand this must be really tough for you.”
3. Check out this video on the power of empathy 

Offering Support:

1. Ask How You Can Help: Offer your support and ask how you can assist them. “What can I do to support you right now?”
2. Provide Resources: Offer information about mental health resources and encourage them to seek professional help if needed.

The Power of Listening: Take the Time to Hear Others

Listening is one of the most underrated skills, yet it’s incredibly powerful when it comes to supporting mental health. In Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, we discuss how crucial active listening is and how it can make a world of difference.

1. Validation: When you take the time to listen, you validate the person’s feelings and experiences. This can help them feel seen and heard, which is often the first step towards healing. You don’t have to agree with someone’s point of view to validate it. 
2. Building Trust: Active listening helps build trust. When people know you’re genuinely interested in what they have to say, they’re more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings.
3. Understanding: By listening without interrupting or judging, you can gain a better understanding of what the person is going through. This understanding can inform how you support them moving forward.

What to Say and What Not to Say

What to Say:

• Supportive Phrases: “I am here for you,” “I’m so glad you shared this with me,” “Thank you for sharing,” “Let’s work through this together,’’ ‘’ I don’t know what to say right now, thanks for telling me.’’

What to Avoid:

• Being Overly Positive: Avoid saying things like “Everything happens for a reason” or “Look on the bright side.” These can be dismissive.
• Trivialising Their Experience: Don’t say, “I know what you mean. I had a panic attack when I saw my phone bill!” or “Oh that’s not so bad, you have so much to be grateful for’’ It minimises their distress and fails to validate their experience.
• Offering Unsolicited Advice: Avoid suggesting, “Have you tried running or yoga?” unless they ask for advice. Instead, ask for permission to offer suggestions.
• Using Guilt: Refrain from comments like “There are people who have it much worse than you.” This can encourage harmful comparisons.
• Telling Them to ‘Snap Out of It’: Avoid saying “Get over it.” Mental health issues are complex and cannot be turned off at will.

Equip Your Team with the Right Tools

Just like you teach your employees physical first aid or technical skills to do their job, it’s essential to equip your team with the tools they need to have effective conversations about mental health. 

1. Training in Mental Health First Aid (MHFA): MHFA training empowers managers to recognise the signs of mental health issues, offer initial support, and guide employees towards professional help. This training is as crucial as any other workplace training because mental health significantly impacts overall productivity and morale.
2. Practical Skills for Everyday Situations: MHFA training provides practical skills that managers can use in everyday interactions. This includes learning how to listen actively, communicate empathetically, and provide reassurance without judgment. These skills help create a supportive environment where employees feel safe to open up about their mental health.
3. Normalising Mental Health Conversations: Regular MHFA training sessions help normalise mental health conversations in the workplace. By integrating these discussions into routine training, you send a clear message that mental health is a priority, just like physical health and technical skills.
4. Flexible Training Options: Whether offered online or face-to-face, MHFA training can be adapted to fit your organisation’s needs. This flexibility ensures that all team members, regardless of their location, can participate and benefit from the training.

Equip your team with the right tools to support mental health effectively. Providing MHFA training is a proactive step in building a resilient and supportive workforce, ensuring your employees are well-equipped to handle mental health issues both at work and at home.

Why Helping Is Important

Approaching someone with care and empathy can provide meaningful support and encourage them to seek the help they need. MHFA training provides the skills needed to approach these conversations effectively.

Supporting at Home

The skills learned in MHFA training aren’t just for the workplace. They can also be applied at home, helping you support family and friends who may be struggling with mental health issues.

1. Recognising Issues: Identify signs of mental health problems in loved ones.
2. Providing Support: Offer practical help and guide them to professional resources.
3. Effective Communication: Have supportive conversations, listen actively, and provide reassurance.

If you would like to learn more, consider attending a Mental Health First Aid course. Seeking immediate help in Australia? Dial 000 for emergencies, 13 11 14 for Lifeline, 1800 551 800 for Kids Helpline, or 1300 659 467 for the Suicide Call Back Service.