How to recognise Others Wellbeing

1. HOW TO RECOGNISE
OTHERS WELLBEING
It is challenging enough to be aware of
our own wellness, let alone trying to be
aware of others. Here are a few
indicators that someone else’s mental
health isn't in the best shape:
• Loss of joy
• Loss of social connection
• Constantly tired
• Negativity
• Changes at work
• Volatile emotions

2. WHAT TO DO TO
HELP OTHERS
If you suspect someone is distressed,
you may want to ‘fix the problem’.
The desire to problem-solve is normal
and comes from a good place – but
trying to be someone’s therapist or
rush in with solutions might make them
feel worse.
Instead, try some of these strategies to
show support:

3. 1. ASK
Asking “How are you?” and
really meaning it, is an important
first step. Sometimes people
need a little bit more to open up,
so you could add “Hey it’s been
a rough time lately and I just
want to check in and see, how
are you doing?”. If they don’t
want to talk, respect that - but let
them know you are there, for
example saying, “If you do ever
want to talk about anything,
I’m here”.

4. 2. LET THEM KNOW YOU
CARE
The simple act of telling someone you’re there
for them and that you care is more powerful
than you might think. Just knowing that you’re
in their corner might help them feel less alone.

5. 3. LISTEN
Listen without judgment or offer
solutions. Remember not to interrupt
with advice. The urge to offer quick
fixes or tips is understandable, but it’s
usually unhelpful. Leave the advice-
giving to the professionals - or until
you have heard them out and asked if
they want any suggestions.

6. 4. PROVIDE REASSURANCE
It could help to let your friends
know that you don’t see them as
weak or having character flaws.
You could tell them that you admire
their strength in trying to cope with
their distress and that there’s
nothing shameful about feeling the
way they do - if you think they do
feel bad about themselves.
The main point here is to offer
acceptance - let them know you
accept them. Simply listening in a
non-judgmental way is a great
place to start.

7. 5. DON’T TAKE
THINGS
PERSONALLY
If your friend seems upset or
angry with you, try not to take it
personally. Distress can make
people do and say things they
wouldn’t usually say or do.

8. 6. JUST BE THERE
Continue to be there for the person by assisting them
to access help if needed, brainstorming with them a
list of things that might help (if they want to do this),
planning some fun activities, or simply ensuring you
keep checking in and being in touch.
During the current COVID-19 lockdown, noticing
some of these signs, and being there in some of
these ways, might be a lot harder. However, you may
still notice changes in people's behaviour. It’s okay to
ask - and it could be a time when we get better at
asking people how they are and really mean it. With
texts, phone calls, video calls, and all the other
communication channels that are available, there are
a lot of ways we can be there for people.