How to Help a Friend/Family Member

Share observations you have noticed about your friend/family member with them. Focus on being compassionate, nonjudging, and understanding. Use "I" instead of "you" when starting the conversation.

"I've noticed you're eating less. Is everything okay?"

"It makes me nervous to hear you talking like this. Let's go talk to someone about it."

Reach out to someone you trust, this can be a variety of people based on the situation. For example, this can be a guidance counselor, teacher, coach, parent, other friends, and family.

If you are worried about your friend finding out it was you, an anonymous tip/ concern is an option!

Even if you think your friend *might* be experiencing a mental health crisis, it is better to say something and make sure they are okay.

If it is an emergency, call 911!

Validate what your friend/family member is saying. If your friend opened up to you about mental health problems they are experiencing, do not make it seem like you think they are overreacting.

Listen non-judgmentally and say things such as "that sounds hard" may help.

Ask how you can help your friend/family member. They might just want you to ask instead of the other way around!

"Can I help you set up an appointment?"

"Would you like for me to go to a support group meeting with you?"

"Do you need a ride to anything?"

Check in with your friend/family member regularly. Even if you don't have time to hang out throughout the week, send them a message asking how they are. It shows them that you care and are thinking about them.

Include your friend/family member in your plans. If you are going out with a group of friends or are just planning on going out and doing something, see if they want to come along! Even if they say "no" every time, still offer. The thought of asking may help them recognize that you will be there for them if they need you.

Learn more about mental health conditions, or your friends' condition specifically. Researching mental illnesses and symptoms may make it easier for you to understand where your friend/family member is coming from and the rationale that may be going on in their head. Plus, knowing about mental health will make you more aware of what to say to help your friend, and help you recognize important signs you may miss otherwise!

Check out Better Help to hire a private counselor that you can always get ahold of!

Encourage them to add the Wisconsin Suicide Hotline phone number to their contacts in case they ever need it: 800-273-8255

Encourage them to add the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA) phone number to their contacts in case they ever need it: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)