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spot a bro who's feeling low

it can often be tricky spotting a friend who is struggl...

by movember canada

sep 13 2021
read time 1 minute read
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it can often be tricky spotting a friend who is struggling. but helping a friend can be easy when you know-how. we’ve identified four steps to help you in navigating those tricky conversations and to help the lines of communication flow.

a – ask

start by mentioning anything different you’ve noticed. maybe your friend has been spending more time at the bar, coming into work late, or missing social events.
“you’ve not quite seemed yourself recently. are you okay?”
trust your instinct. remember, we often say “i’m fine” when we’re not. so if you think something is wrong, don’t be afraid to ask twice.

l – listen

try to give him your full attention, without interruptions. don’t feel you have to diagnose problems, offer solutions or give advice. just let him know you’re all ears, judgment-free.
follow-up questions are good too. they’ll help let him know you’re listening.
“that can’t be easy. how long have you felt that way?”

e- encourage action

help him to focus on simple things that might improve his wellbeing: is he getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and eating properly? maybe there’s something that’s helped before?
suggest he tells other people he trusts how he’s feeling. this will make things easier – for both of you. and if he’s felt low for more than two weeks, suggest he sees his doctor.

c- check-in

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suggest you catch up soon – in person if you can. if you can’t manage a meet-up, make time for a call or drop him a message. this will show you care. plus, you’ll get a feel for whether he’s feeling any better.
if you’re worried that somebody’s life is in immediate danger, go directly to emergency services.

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