How to identify the signs of somebody struggling, what you'll do to assist.

Asking 'R U OK?' isn't doing nearly enough

What are the signs someone isn't okay?

Going through emotional periods of change could be a normal part of life, but if you notice prolonged periods of sadness, anger, frustration, or anxiety during a friend, it's going to be an indication they're fighting their mental state.


Caroline notes you'll notice changes in behavior, such as:


Your friend not leaving their house for long periods of your time

Disengaging in their normal hobbies

Falling behind on assignments

Sleeping an excessive amount of or not enough

Emotional changes like frequent and increased outbursts of anger, feeling sad, or a scarcity of motivation and hope are other common signs someone could also be struggling with.


What are you able to do to assist someone who doesn’t seem okay?

Start a conversation

Often, the most effective thanks to beginning helping someone who is struggling is to start out a conversation. Find an area where you're both comfortable to stay things as informal and relaxed as possible with a friendly, calm approach. If you’re unsure what to mention, try starting with “How are you going?” or “What’s been happening?”.


You could also start by mentioning a selected behavioral or emotional change you'll have noticed in your friend, for instance, ‘R U OK?’ suggests something like: “I know you’ve had trouble sleeping and concentrating lately. Can we speak about that?” Caroline suggests adding to the current by asking open-ended questions after referencing these specific changes, like “You seem a bit quieter than usual. How are you?”.


Listen without judgment


When paying attention to your friend’s response, use non-verbal cues like nodding, maintaining appropriate eye contact, listening without interrupting, and keeping open visual communication (such keeping your arms uncrossed), Caroline suggests.


Repeating what you’ve heard using your own words shows your friend that you simply are listening and have understood them. If your friend isn't sure a way to respond, it's also okay to take a seat with silence. Give your friend time to consider their response and wait and see.


Additionally, it’s important to stay the main target on your friend without trying to form their experience relevant to you: “Don’t assume you recognize how they feel and take a look at to relate to them in a very way that pulls all the main target back to you.

Seek help if needed

Once you’ve started a conversation and listened to what your friend has got to say, it is often difficult to understand what to mention or do next – especially if they open up to you they're combating their psychological state.