Health and wellbeing

It's not always easy to start a conversation about someone's mental well-being. Learn how to start these conversations, how to show your support, and what actions you need to take to help someone in crisis.

SUPPORTING SOMEONE IN CRISIS
Mental Health Awareness


There may be more than one correct answer.


So, what makes a person mentally healthy?
Which among the options below describe positive mental health?


Start the Conversation
How do we start the conversation when we want to reach out to someone in crisis?
In this lesson, we will learn what we should do before we reach out and what things we can say to star the conversation.


Better Listening
What do we say or do when someone says they are not ok?
We will look at how empathy can be a powerful tool when connecting to someone.


Getting Help
What can we do if someone is having suicidal thoughts or in extreme distress?
We can remind people that help is available and encourage them to seek help if they need it. For the last lesson, you will get a list of resources and links to organizations you can tap into for further support.


Mental Health Awareness

SUPPORTING SOMEONE IN CRISIS
How to start mental health conversation


Reaching out can be uncomfortable...
It's not always easy to start a conversation. And often times we are worried if we know the right words to say or if we can give the right kind of support.


...but it's not as difficult as we think.
It's about making that first contact by asking how they are doing, just like how we would on a regular day.


YOU WILL LEARN...
When it's critical to ask someone how they are;
What we can say to start the conversation; and
What's the best way to show we support them


WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
In this lesson, we will talk about the knowledge and skills to help you feel confident in reaching out to a person in crisis.


Changes in mood, behavior, or how they interact with others
Frequent anger burst
Being more tearful
Isolating from others


Changes in motivation or work performance
Unusual lack of energy
Missing work or being late
Loss of interest in things they normally enjoy


Changes in appearance
Sudden weight loss or weight gain
Appearing tired or sick
Disregard to basic personal hygiene


Struggle to focus or make decision
Zoning out
Panicking during normal situations


Check off all the items on this list to prepare yourself.


But wait...are you really ready for this conversation?


Start the Conversation

SUPPORTING SOMEONE IN CRISIS
Better Listening


Most of the times, it's not the things that we say that matter.
It's our presence, the safe space that we hold for them, and the willingness to listen with empathy that makes a difference.
In the next slide, Brene Brown explains what empathy truly means and how it's different from sympathy.
Watch the video and see how it changes how we listen to someone in crisis.


LEARN MORE
Learn more about helpful phrases from R U OK? Conversation Guide.


Better Listening

SUPPORTING SOMEONE IN CRISIS
Getting Help


Find a helpline
Free crisis and suicide support is available in 140 countries. Follow this link to  find a helpline.


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free course

Supporting Someone in Crisis

Supporting Someone in Crisis Lessons

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