Warning Signs: When someone is not okay

When someone is struggling it can be difficult to know what to do, but the first step is being aware that they are not okay in the first place.

The warning signs that tell us if someone is struggling emotionally can vary from small changes in their behaviour, to quite obvious cries for help.

Both signs need to be taken seriously, however, it is often the smaller changes that can go unnoticed.

What are they saying?

When someone is struggling they might:

Verbally express that they cannot cope
Share feelings of loneliness, hopelessness or helplessness
Become more critical of themselves or others
Sound as though they are confused, agitated or disoriented

What are they doing?

When someone is struggling they might appear to:

Lack motivation or energy
Struggle to switch off
Become more or less interested in their appearance
Lack interest in things they used to enjoy
Be more or less emotional than usual
Have changes in their sleeping, eating, exercising or work patterns

What to do if you are concerned

You can check in by:

Asking if they’re okay
Being an active listener
Encouraging Action
Checking in again in the near future

Crisis Support

Sometimes people may not feel ready to open up and discuss their challenges despite appearing have reached a high level of distress and hopelessness.

If you have genuine concerns about the safety and wellbeing of your loved one, it may be best to reach out to crisis support services for additional support.

Crisis Support Services

Emergency Services: 000

For police, fire and ambulance services

LifeLine: 13 11 14

24/7 Crisis counselling for all ages

Kids HelpLine: 1800 55 1800

Free, confidential 24/7 counselling phone service

BeyondBlue: 1300 22 4636

Call or chat online with a mental health professional any time of the day or night.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport/get-immediate-support

Headspace: 1800 650 890

Online and telephone support service that helps young people who prefer to talk about their problems via online chat, email or on the phone.

https://headspace.org.au/eheadspace/

For more information

R U OK?

https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

Beyond Blue

https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/i-am-supporting-others/family-and-friends/how-to-check-in-with-someone.html

Black Dog Institute

Helping someone else

Mental Health First Aid Australia

https://mhfa.com.au/resources/help-a-friend-family-member-or-co-worker-with-mental-health-illness-or-crisis

About the author

Melissa Juzva

Melissa is an Educational & Developmental Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor. Melissa’s career as a psychologist has involved work in all sectors of education in Victoria and as such she believes it is imperative to work closely with schools to assist them in supporting the young people she works with.