• How did Hannah’s friend start the conversation with her?
• How did she help Hannah to decide on a clear action to make an appointment with her GP?

You do not need to be an expert to talk to someone who is having mental health problems.

Hopefully you found that reasonably easy.

Let’s expand on a couple of these points…

It might be easier if you are doing something else like going for a walk or going for a drive. This can make it feel less intense, lessen the pressure to maintain eye contact and silences will not feel as difficult.

Talking about yourself first can set the scene and you are being a role model.

It is important to show the person that you care. Make a cup of tea or other suitable drink (avoid alcohol). This can make a difference and can lead to a conversation about how they are feeling. Help them to decide on at least one action. For Hannah, it was to make an appointment with her GP.

Sometimes it might help to use numbers or timescales…

People experiencing mental health problems often need time to process what you have said to them and to respond.

After asking a question, you could go and make a cup of tea to give the person time.

Watch this short video (3:31). It summarises what we have covered in this lesson and explains how you can provide support.

Click on each of the 3 tabs below to see some proactive things you can do at work.

Here comes our next very important point.

Do not judge people.

By having the conversation, you have made a start. You will have already made a difference. Be proud of yourself.