How to help others
In the same way as we need help from others sometimes, we can also offer help and support to our friends and whanau when we can.
How will I know if someone needs support?
It is often easier to offer support, than to ask for support. Some people can ask for help or support and are able to talk about things easily, while others find it hard to talk.
If you notice any of the things listed below and/or you are worried about someone, ask them, “are you OK?” and talk about what you have noticed.
-
Changes in mood and behaviours
-
Increase in eating, sleeping, alcohol, drug use, or reckless behaviour
-
Sleeping or eating a lot less
-
Isolating themselves from others
-
Sudden anger outbursts
-
Hurting others, or doing self-damaging things
-
Becoming tearful often
-
Have experienced a loss or grief: failing, breakup of friendship/relationship, or the death of someone important
-
Saying they would be better off dead, or the world is better without them.
It is often easier to offer support, than to ask for support.
How can I help?
How do I look after myself?
-
If there is any risk to you - leave immediately for safety and call 111
-
Stay in your boundaries of your role as whanau, friend, class/flat mate.
-
Understand you cannot solve every problem or fix every issue for everyone
-
Connect with your support people to debrief and offload, but maintain confidentiality.
Helpful resources
Websites with lots of great information:
Attributions
