Know the Signs
It doesn’t take an expert to be able to identify the signs that someone could be struggling with their mental health. Be aware of specific actions of behaviors that could indicate someone you care about could be struggling:
- The don’t feel like hanging out as much.
- Their mind seems to be somewhere else.
- They are anxious and can’t relax.
- They have gotten negative about life.
- The are not acting like themselves and are more irritable than usual.
- They are taking more risks than usual.
- They talk about feeling hopeless.
- They are taking drugs or drinking more.
- They are harming themselves.
If someone you care about is exhibiting these behaviors, then it is important to start a conversation about how they are going. There may be nothing wrong, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
Start the Conversation
Beginning the conversation doesn’t mean you have to dive straight into talking about mental health struggles or have an intense heart-to-heart. Consider instead meeting your friend where they are or extending an invitation to hang out. You can even talk about struggles you are going through to give your friend an avenue to open-up. Whether it's over a bite to eat or taking a walk, a simple “what’s up” is a great place to begin.
The first step Is finding an opportunity to talk. Try these suggestions for creating that opportunity:
- Invite them to a pick-up game of a favorite sport.
- Casually ask while playing an online game together.
- Invite them to grab lunch or dinner.
- Ask “What’s up” in a text.
- Invite them to participate in a shared hobby.
Not sure how to get started? Starting the conversation doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes you just need to open the door with a simple question. Try these conversation starters:
- How are you?
- How are you feeling?
- How are you today?
- Are you doing alright?
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.
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.
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.
Seizing the Awkward Conversations
Hear stories from people who have been on both sides of mental health conversations
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.
Canada: Manulife – Homewood Health/Santé: Resilience® Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Call toll free 1-866-644-0326 or visit www.manulife.ca.