@Usagi 28 May 2021 more from that month

𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚝𝚘 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝙼𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚕𝚝𝚑 ✨ Looking out for your mates and being there for them if they need it might help to prevent them from becoming another statistic. If you’re keen to start a conversation about mental health with a mate, we’ve got some tips to help you get started. Whether it’s with a friend, family member or colleague, opening up about mental health can help people feel supported and confident that they can share their thoughts and feelings, especially during tough times, and might be the first step to getting further help if they need it. 🔘Start simple If you’re worried about someone’s wellbeing, you might have a lot of thoughts going around in your head. You might be wondering what’s causing them trouble, whether it’s something you’ve done, or if you should tell someone else about it. You don’t need to raise all of these questions at once. Start with a simple question or statement, and then make sure you listen to them, instead of spilling all the thoughts you’ve been having. Conversations starters could be: “I’ve noticed you’ve been sad/angry/not yourself lately, do you want to tell me about it?” “How have you been going?” “I heard/saw you say/do something that made me worried about you, can we talk about it?” “I’ve been feeling concerned about you.” “I know that this is what I do when I’m feeling down, and I’ve seen you doing it too. Is there something wrong?” “Are you okay?” If they don’t want to talk to you, let them know that you’re still concerned about them and that you’re there for them if they need it. Don’t tell them off or criticise them – they might not be ready to confide in you just yet, but your support is still valuable. 🔘Do something while you say something We don’t all feel comfortable sitting opposite someone and talking about our feelings. Some people might feel more comfortable having a chat when they don’t have to make eye contact or when they’re doing something else. If you don’t want to sit face-to-face, you could bring up the topic while you do another activity. Do something with your hands, like working in the shed or going fishing. Have a chat while you watch the footy on TV, or go for a walk. 🔘Keep in touch during times of stress You may think that it’s best to leave someone alone when things aren’t going well, thinking that their problems are none of your business or that they’ll be embarrassed if you bring it up. But being there for your mates is one of the most important parts of good relationships – as well as enjoying the good times, it’s what friendships are for. 🔘Take it online We’re taught that it’s best to have important conversations in person. But this isn’t always going to suit: your friend might not live close or be available, or you might find talking another way is easier. 🔘Pick your time and place When you’re planning to have a conversation, try to pick somewhere that is fairly private and comfortable. Make sure you won’t be rushed, and if they want to open up you have time to listen to them. Source: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/men-how-to-have-conversation-mate-mental-health