How to support a friend with their mental health

This article was first published in March 2021.

It’s always good to talk about the way you’re feeling, especially if you’re struggling with your mental health. But what do you say to a friend who opens up to you to let you know they’re having a hard time? What is the best way to support them?

Here’s Katie Thistleton with some advice from children’s and young people’s charity Young Minds.

Katie's tips to support your friend with their mental health

Here are Katie Thistleton's top tips for supporting your friend with their mental health:

Listen to your friend

The best thing you can do to support a friend who wants to talk is to listen carefully and let them speak. Don't make assumptions or interrupt them, you don't even need to respond, in fact. You can let them know that you're listening by nodding and repeating what they've said.

Understand their feelings

Your friend needs to know their feelings are valid. You could let them know that what they're going through sounds like it's really tough, or you could say it's okay to feel like that.

Be there for them

Let your friend know that they're not alone. Reassure them that they've done the right thing by reaching out to talk.

Help your friend

Ask your friend what they'd like from you, and if they'd like you to help them find places they can get support, like their GP or helplines.

Check in on them

Get in touch with your friend again after the conversation. You might want to leave it a day or two, and if they don't want to talk any more, respect their boundaries.

Look after yourself

Take time to talk to someone if you need to, or practise some self-care after having a difficult conversation. Know that just by listening and talking to your friend, you've done an amazing job, and you've done what you can. And remember it's not all on you. There are lots of other places that can help, like the GP, school, helplines or services.

If you need support

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.