Real mates help each other out

Mates help, and mates stick around

A real mate also sticks around when times are tough. It can be hard to help out your mate when they need it because you might not know how to help, or what to do to help. Your mate might also push you away and say they don't want your help. A real mate will stick with it and be there.

Don't ignore it – problems don't always go away

It could be tempting to ignore the situation and hope your mate's problems will go away. Sadly this is not often the case. The sooner your mate gets help the better it is. Problems like these often get worse over time.

If you don't think you can help your mate by listening to them, there are a couple of other things you can do. You could suggest they talk to their GP, a community health worker, a psychologist, or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

How to be a good listener:

• Make time to listen
• Be aware of your body language, tone of voice and posture. Show you are paying attention by how you sit or stand
• Show interest through your tone of voice
• Listen without interrupting. Let them talk – don't interrupt
• Try not to show shock or surprise
• Encourage your mate to fully explain talk through what they are thinking and feeling
• Don't make light of their experience
• Don't look for a quick fix solution
• Sympathise with them about how difficult it must be
• Ask your mate what they want to do about the problem
• Explore what else can done or who else can help