How to support the people in your life who might be struggling?

1. Spot the signs:

• Increased alcohol and/or drug use, anger, aggression, irritability, crying
• Disrupted sleep, aches, and pains, declining physical health
• Risk-taking and impulsivity
• Challenging life events (separation and divorce, parenting difficulties, work-related pressures, job insecurity, physical illness, social isolation, and loneliness)

Warning signs can appear in all shapes and sizes. Look out for ANY CHANGE IN BEHAVIOUR or ACTING OUT OF CHARACTER

2. Make contact and open up the conversation:

• Plan for the conversation before acting – what are the observable behaviour changes? What are the environments/locations that may be less confrontational when having a chat? Have you thought about additional support options you might suggest to the person?
• Act early, with curiosity and compassion. Keep it simple and direct. Take the pressure off yourself to have all the answers.
• Remind yourself to LISTEN first, even if a solution seems obvious.
• Limit throwing out advice or solutions too soon. Work with them to come up with solutions together.

3. Refer:

• Self-support – encourage good self-care practices.
• Don’t underestimate the power of social support. “How can I best support you right now?” Even if they don’t seem receptive to your support, simply being there for them is likely extremely valuable.
• Explore referral options together and explicitly ask what you can do to best support them. “I’m aware of some good support options, how can I best help you to link in with one? Let’s do this together.”
  • Friends and family – social support
  • Lifeline – 13 11 14 – free crisis support 24/7
  • Trusted GP for a chat – Mental Health Care Plan and referral to a psychologist

4. Check-in: 

• Follow up your conversation to show that you genuinely care (remember the power of social support) and to determine whether they are feeling any better and on the right track. If they aren’t, re-explore some of the referral options outlined above.
• There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to improved mental health and well-being, so trying a few different things is important.

5. When looking to support someone else, it’s important to make sure you’re looking after YOU.

• Are you feeling capable of providing support?
• Do you have time to listen?
• Have you got your own self-care and support in place?