No Talk Day encourages us to talk about mental health

Tip 1 – Ask

Beyond Blue explains that the first step should be to find a place where you both feel comfortable and ask how your friend is doing.

For many people, there might be some uncertainty over what exactly you should say – and it’s easy to worry that you might say the wrong thing.

Beyond Blue has compiled a list of useful phrases which “people who have experienced anxiety or depression say are most helpful to hear during difficult times” – along with an explanation why these are helpful.

For example, telling someone that “I’m here for you” can help them to know they’re not alone. This can be incredibly important, as “anxiety and depression can make people feel very isolated and alone”.

Phrases like “I can see this is a really hard time for you” can help to validate someone’s personal experience and feelings of anxiety and depression.

Telling someone that you know how they feel or that they just need to “snap out of it” is not helpful, and this type of statement will likely shut down a conversation.

Tip 2 – Listen

It can be very helpful to ask open-ended questions in order to keep the conversation flowing and demonstrate that you are really listening.

Encourage them to talk about what is happening and how they’re feeling.

Experiences of depression and anxiety are different for everyone, so take the time to understand their unique experience of this and let them know their feelings are valid and recognised. 

Avoid jumping to conclusions, trying to provide a diagnosis or giving advice about what they should do – the essential thing is to let them know they are being heard and can talk about their feelings.

Tip 3 – Support

As Beyond Blue explains, support is the most important thing you can offer. Simply asking “what can I do to support you?” can be a very good place to start.

Help them to explore their options for how they might feel better. In this regard, Beyond Blue suggests starting with a General Practitioner (GP) before exploring other options.

This can be either the usual GP of the person in question or perhaps a local GP with a good reputation in mental health.

You can also contact the Beyond Blue Support Service to help find a health professional in your area.

Tip 4 – Check In

While the previous steps are all incredibly important, it is also crucial to follow up. 

Make sure to check-in with your friend to keep an eye on how they’re going.

Organise a time and date to catch up and try to make regular plans with them – even if they don’t always accept your invitation.