How to Support a Friend During Mental Health Awareness Week

Mental Health Awareness Week (12-18 May 2025) is a powerful reminder that we just like our physical health, we need to pay care and attention to our mental health. This year’s theme focuses on community, and what better place to start than with our own friends and loved ones? Whether someone close to you seems a little off lately, or you simply want to be there for them in tough times, here are some simple but meaningful ways to help a friend with their mental wellbeing.

1. Look out for the signs

You don’t need to be a professional to recognise when something’s not quite right with someone you know. Some signs a friend or loved one might be struggling include:

• Withdrawing from social plans
• Seeming unusually tired, anxious, or down
• Changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Snapping more easily or seeming overwhelmed

Sometimes it’s a lot more subtle than this though, so trust your gut. A simple “How are you, really?” can mean the world to someone, or just letting them know you're there if they want to talk about anything.

2. Check In, Gently

When checking in with someone, try to pick a quiet moment when they’re not rushed, let them know you’ve noticed they don’t seem themselves and keep it open and non-judgemental. They might not be ready to talk yet, but your care won’t go unnoticed. It's important you do not try to diagnose or second guess their feelings, as this may lead to them not feeling comfortable enough to open up.

3. Listen Without Fixing

One of the most supportive things you can do is just… listen. Really listen! Try to hold back on rushing to give advice, or any judgement or comparisons. Sometimes people just need a space in which they can speak freely, even if it’s emotional or messy. If you struggle with listening, trying counting to 6 in your head after they've finished speaking, just in case they need more time to say something.  You can also try repeating what they have said back to them, to show you have understood it.

4. Offer Practical Support

If your friend is feeling overwhelmed, everyday tasks can feel too much. Ask if they’d like help with:

• Booking appointments
• Running errands
• Just sitting together quietly

Your presence alone may be all they need! Offering small support can mean a lot though, even if they do not take you up on the offer.

5. Encourage Professional Help (If Needed)

If you feel it’s appropriate, gently suggest they speak to a GP, counsellor, or mental health service like Samaritans, who you can call for free on 116 123 (UK) anytime. If they are nervous, you could offer to go to the GP with them. There is a guide to talking to GPs about mental health here.

You could say: "You don’t have to go through this alone, talking to someone could really help and there are lots of options”

It's important to remind them that seeking help is not a weakness, it's a sign of great strength!

Remember, if you believe someone might be in immediate danger, you must take urgent action to ensure they are safe. Please call 999 (UK) or encourage them to go to A&E and ask for the contact of the nearest crisis resolution team.

6. Keep Showing Up

Even if they turn down support at first, keep checking in. Drop them a message, share a funny video, or invite them for a walk - you do not always need to ask how they are doing. Consistency helps to build trust and lets them know you're thinking of them.

7. Look After Yourself Too

Supporting a friend can be emotionally heavy. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so be sure to take care of your own mental health too!

Remember to:

• Set boundaries if needed
• Talk to someone you trust
• Take time for your own wellbeing

 

Sometimes the most powerful thing we can offer someone is our presence. Whether it's in the form of a listening ear, or a shared quiet moment, every small act of kindness we can offer counts. It's important we continue to show up for one another and remind one another we are not alone.