If your friend tells you he or she has a mental health problem, read the tips below for what you might say or how you might want to respond:
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Express your concern and sympathy. |
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Ask how he or she is doing. Really listen to the answers and continue the conversation. Make sure your friend understands you honestly care. |
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Ask what you can do to help. Rides to appointments (or keeping the person company in the waiting room) can ease some of the anxiety people feel when dealing with a mental health problem. |
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You might also offer to help your friend with errands but be careful not to patronize or make the person feel disempowered. |
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Let your friend know you still care about him or her, and include him or her in your everyday plans – going out to lunch, catching a movie, taking a jog. If your friend says no, ask again, but without being pushy. |
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Remind your friend there is help available for a mental health problem. Offer to help identify community resources and supports if so desired. |
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If a friend needs immediate help, ask them what kind of help they need and respond immediately. It is important to give them hope and encourage them to seek support, including calling a crisis line, or the National Suicide Prevention Line at 1-800-273-TALK. |
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Encourage your friend to seek immediate medical attention if they say they are weak or ill from an eating disorder. |
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