Telling a friend or family member about your mental health struggles can be scary, but here are some tips that may make it more manageable:
Make sure you’re somewhere you feel comfortable.
This could be at home, or somewhere quiet. It can also help to talk while doing an activity where you may feel less pressured, like going for a walk or for a coffee.
Write down what you want to say.
If this feels a bit too formal, write some notes on your phone or practise how you want to start the conversation in your head.
If you don’t want to answer all of their questions, that’s okay.
Whoever you talk to may have questions but you can answer them in your own time, or not answer them at all if you don’t want to. Your friends should respect how difficult it is for you to talk to them, and understand that it can take time.
Talk about what they can do to support you.
For example, if you’re talking about panic attacks, what could they do to help you if you had one while you were with them? How would a friend know you were feeling depressed or anxious, and what could they do to help? Letting your friends know how to help you is SO important, and will help you to feel less alone and more supported. Remember, the same things don’t work for everyone so let them know what’s best for you, or let them help you to figure it out.
