We've partnered with
LIVIN to help spread awareness and normalise chat about mental health. In this blog, LIVIN's physiologist shares some useful guidance and tips on how you can support someone in your life that may be struggling with mental health issues.
1. Spot the signs
Warning signs can appear in all shapes and sizes, look out for any extreme changes in behaviour or acting out of character. Some things to look out for might include:
- 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)
2. Reach out and start a conversation
- Plan for the conversation before acting – what are the observable behaviour changes? What are the environments/locations that may be less confrontational to have 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 know 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. Don't forget to look after YOU.
- Are you feeling capable of providing support?
- Do you have time to listen?
- Have you got your own self-care and supports in place?
Head to
LIVIN for more resources and to find out more about what they do, and remember to look out for yourself and your mates <3
Haven’t booked your Schoolies yet? Rooms are selling fast so click below lock in your spot today.
Book Now