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5 Tips That’ll Actually Help You Ask A Mate If They’re OK

It’s never too late.

On the back of causes like R U OK Day and World Suicide Day, not to mention the pandemic, mental health is naturally very important at the moment. And while the R U OK Day’s are great and do spurn worthwhile discussions, how do you find out if a mate is actually OK?

Sometimes it might be a bit tough trying to figure out just how to approach someone. Basically how do we make the R U OK Day conversations more of a continuous discussion? How do we go about it in our day to day? When there isn’t an obvious way to open up? Or when you’re not sure what to ask, do or say?

Well I’ve whipped up some handy tips below, and if you need some mental health reads, check out our Headspace Hub or our piece on how to talk to mates when you’re not feeling 100%.

#1 Keep The Conversation Active

Now this might seem easier than it sounds, but I reckon we’re all pretty guilty of having moments where we just are present in a conversation and that’s it.

You: “So how’s work/uni going?”
Friend: “It’s so busy, pretty hectic at the moment.”
You: “Yeah, likewise.”
Friend: “Must be that time of the year, hey.”

Ever participated in something like that above? We are so consumed by the concept of being time poor that when we catch up or chat to our friends or family, the conversation lacks substance. Be an active listener, and respond to them with questions and statements that provoke thought. Try to avoid the same, used, responses we often dish up.

Try to subtly dig a bit deeper into things, ask about if they’re happy at work, why they recently stopped seeing someone, or if anything is frustrating them at the moment. Be present.

#2 Be Prepared For Emotion

Often with some friends you may have never pushed the boundary with deeper discussions and chats, and there’s a chance it could get a bit emotional. And while this is awesome, be prepared for that.

Now I’m not saying you have to be a counsellor, but just envisage yourself in the situation and be prepared to comfort said friend or family if needed. There is nothing worse than when someone pours their guts out to you, and you’re not too sure what do to do. Give them a hug, pat on the back, console them – just be there and aware. It’ll probably break some new ground in your relationship, too.

#3 There Is Nothing Wrong With More Help

With the above said, there is also nothing wrong with suggesting more help. We live in a world of constant stigma around counselling, psychology and professional help. There is a reason these individuals exist today and that’s to provide a deeper understanding and listening stream.

I know even saying something like “maybe you should see a counsellor?” Probably sends a few shivers down your spine. But you go to a doctor to fix your health, a counsellor or psychologist does the same thing for your mind. So if you feel like you’ve given all the best friend-advice you can, there is nothing wrong with bringing this up, in the right context of course.

#4 Get A Group

Sometimes it can be tough to go one on one with someone you know well, but not well enough. So maybe rally together a little group of friends together for it. You might set it up as a dinner, drinks, picnic (underrated) etc, essentially an environment that is prone to sharing with no judgement. Sometimes people need various opinions or even just different sets of ears to listen in and that provides a world of difference.

And often they don’t even need advice, they just want people to listen – it’s why we have two ears and one mouth, right? Even just being able to pull a friend aside from a big group for a quick chat is an easy way to start with some heavier discussions, when you’ve never ventured into that territory before. So assemble the group chat and be open together.

#5 Be Vulnerable

This is probably the most important thing.

We’re so often told that vulnerability is a form of weakness – and that is bullshit. I think I’ve only seen my dad cry once, and that was when his mum passed away. Honestly, I cried because I could feel his vulnerability and the real pain he felt – and that connection felt real in an emotional way. Let your shields down and be really honest and emotional, it’s not a bad thing, despite what a lot of society tells us. Admitting your faults, that sometimes you don’t know the answers, that you don’t have your shit together is the truest thing you could ever say.

If you yourself need someone to talk too but don’t know where to turn, you can get help by contacting the various support streams below:

Headspace
1800 650 890

Life Line
13 11 14

R U OK Resources

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