It could be your mate

We all have tough times and that’s when having mates is really important. You know – things like difficulties at work, in the family, health problems, injuries, money worries. Sometimes the tough times seem to drag on, or other things happen that make them worse. And then problems pile up.

At times like these it can be hard to know how to help your friend or know what to do. When we go through tough times ourselves, sometimes it’s hard to ask for help or know where to get help.

Stress, anxiety and depression can all become serious problems that need help. But how can you help a mate?

If you think your mate might need help now, on this site you can find out different types of help that are available, useful links, and phone numbers to get help now.

Looking out for a mate - when to be concerned

Some examples of when a mate may be experiencing stress, anxiety or depression are:

What’s happening?

• problems with mates/relationships, family, work
• trouble with the law
• sexual or physical abuse
• suicide / violence ...someone they know, someone they heard or read about
• mental health problem / trauma
• Almost anything depending on how they feel about it

What’s on their mind?

• talk of escape - finding a way out, no future, guilt, being alone
• mind not on the job
• talk of suicide, death
• planning for suicide

What do they feel?

• desperate, depressed, feeling hopeless
• things too hard / painful
• angry / sad
• ashamed, worthless
• lonely, unsupported, cut-off

What are they doing?

• often upset / angry
• emotional outbursts
• reckless (e.g. on the job, driving)
• drinking a lot, drink driving
• drug misuse
• fighting, law breaking
• withdrawn
• putting affairs in order
• dropping out
• attempted self-harm or previous attempts of suicide

Physical changes?

• nothing's much fun
• low energy
• can't sleep properly
• little interest in food / sex
• often feeling unwell
• hurting a lot

Reach out to a mate ...tell them what you noticed ...get help now.

Download the When to be Concerned indicators as a printable version (pdf) here.