Having conversations about mental health can be difficult so here are some tips to help get you started:

• Choose a time and place that suits you both, preferably somewhere quiet where you both feel safe and comfortable

• Bring up the changes you've noticed and ask if they would like to talk about them

• Encourage them to talk, but accept that they may not be ready or want to at this moment

• Listen to what they're saying, don't interrupt them or jump in with what you think is a helpful solution

• Find out if they're ready to seek help, and what you can do to support them in this step

• Continue to check in with them

Remember that if you've noticed that someone is struggling, but:

• Do not feel that you are in the right headspace

• Don’t have enough time right now for a full conversation

• Cannot accept that the person may not want to talk about it

• Do not understand that you cannot 'fix' someone's problems

A conversation about mental health may not be the best action right now.

Below are some helpful resources that may assist you in starting a conversation about mental health: