This web page has been established to provide information about anxiety, depression and suicide and it is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should seek the advice of an appropriately qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your own circumstances. You should not disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of any information contained on this web page.
Talking to someone you are worried about
A conversation can make a difference in helping someone feel less alone and more supported in recovering from anxiety and depression. Don’t underestimate the importance of just ‘being there’.
Raise the topic in a way that feels comfortable to you. There is no right or wrong way to say that you’re concerned. Just be genuine.
Explain why you are concerned. What have you noticed that has left you feeling worried about them? (their mood, the way they have been acting).
They may not want to talk about it yet, but at least they know you care and are willing to have the conversation when they’re ready.
More tips on what to say
Raise the topic in a way that feels comfortable to you. There is no right or wrong way to say that you’re concerned. Just be genuine.
Explain why you are concerned. What have you noticed that has left you feeling worried about them? (their mood, the way they have been acting).
They may not want to talk about it yet, but at least they know you care and are willing to have the conversation when they’re ready.
More tips on what to say
CRISIS SUPPORT PLAN
In an emergency, call 000 immediately.
If the situation is urgent and you’re concerned you, or someone else, is in immediate danger do not leave the person alone, unless you are concerned for your own safety.
If the person agrees, you could go together to the local hospital emergency department for assessment
If the situation is urgent and you’re concerned you, or someone else, is in immediate danger do not leave the person alone, unless you are concerned for your own safety.
If the person agrees, you could go together to the local hospital emergency department for assessment
How to talk to someone about suicide
Discussing suicide, and talking about suicidal thoughts may seem like a daunting prospect, but people thinking about suicide are usually uncertain about acting on their thoughts of ending their own life. There is often a part of the person that wants to live and a part that wants to die. It is important to hear their pain and work with the part that wants to live to keep the person safe and support them to seek help
More tips on what to say
More tips on what to say