Conversations Matter: Mental Health Awareness Video Series

Having a conversation about mental health might be uncomfortable, but it can make all the difference. Regardless of the situation or circumstance, your willingness to start a conversation can help someone.

Having the Conversation

Once the door has been opened for someone to talk about their mental health struggles, it can be intimidating to continue engaging in that conversation. Many people will resist starting the conversation out of fear of saying the wrong thing or not knowing what to do if the response revels the other person is struggling. Here are some tips to make it easier to have a conversation about mental health:

Encourage them to talk to an expert.
Tell them you won’t ever judge them.
Let them know that this won’t change how you feel about them.
Ask if they have seen a doctor.
Keep it casual. Relax: think of it as a chill chat, not a therapy session.
Listen up. Let them take the lead.
Avoid offering advice or trying to fix their problems.
Let them know it’s OK to feel the way they do.
Make yourself available. Be the friend they can rely on.
Ask open-ended questions. Help them to talk, not just say “yes” or “no”.
Let them open-up at their own speed.
Don’t demand answers or force them to say anything they’re not ready to.
Encourage them to talk to an expert.
Tell them you won’t ever judge them.

Let them know that this won’t change how you feel about them.
Ask if they have seen a doctor.
Keep it casual. Relax: think of it as a chill chat, not a therapy session.
Listen up. Let them take the lead.
Avoid offering advice or trying to fix their problems.
Let them know it’s OK to feel the way they do.
Make yourself available. Be the friend they can rely on.
Ask open-ended questions. Help them to talk, not just say “yes” or “no”.
Let them open up at their own speed.
Don’t demand answers or force them to say anything they’re not ready to.
Encourage them to talk to an expert.
Tell them you won’t ever judge them.
Let them know that this won’t change how you feel about them.
Ask if they have seen a doctor.

Often, just being there is enough, even if words fail. Listen, follow-up, and check-in regularly. Being supportive doesn’t have to happen all at once. It can, and usually is, the little moments strung together that truly make an impact. Even if the gesture is small like a text saying you’re thinking about them or how much you appreciate them, it matters. The smallest of gestures add up over time and signal that you care.

To learn more, view the full Mental Health Conversation Video Series.

Seizing the Awkward Conversations

Hear stories from people who have been on both sides of mental health conversations.

For more information on how to have a conversation regarding mental health, visit seizetheawkward.org.

Connect with Resources

E(F)AP resources and assistance are available to U.S. and Canadian Mauser Packaging Solutions employees and members of their household through our benefit programs.*

U.S.: THE HARTFORD: Enhanced Ability Assist® - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Call toll free 1-800-96-HELPS (1-800-964-3577) or visit www.guidanceresources.com.

View EAP Flyer (English)
View EAP Flyer (Spanish)

Canada: Manulife – Homewood Health/Santé: Resilience® Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Call toll free 1-866-644-0326 or visit www.manulife.ca.

View EFAP Flyer (English)
View EFAP Flyer (French)

*Resources and assistance available regardless of enrollment in healthcare benefits.

Note: Similar programs may be offered in other countries through Company provided offerings or government healthcare systems. Check with your local Human Resources representative for available resources.