Say What You See
Instead of asking someone, “Are you okay?”, a more helpful way to start a conversation is to point out something you’ve noticed.
What is mentioning a specific change you’ve seen in them?
This simple gesture—looking someone in the eye and putting away your phone—helps signal you genuinely care when someone is upset.
What is giving them your full attention?
This is the most important thing you can do when someone starts opening up about what they’re going through.
What is just listen?
When someone opens up to you, your role isn’t to fix everything—it’s to ask this kind of question to understand how to show up for them.
What is “Do you want to be helped, heard, or hugged right now?” (or something like it)?
When supporting someone who’s struggling and the issue feels bigger than you can handle, encouraging this next step is one of the best ways to support them.
What is reaching out to professional or community-based help?
If a friend seems off—maybe they’re quieter than usual or not showing up—it’s often a sign to do this.
What is check-in and start a conversation?
When you're with someone who may be struggling, showing empathy goes beyond words; it’s also about this kind of communication.
What is a caring tone of voice and body language?
Instead of asking yes/no questions or demanding details, you should ask these types of questions to encourage someone to share more.
What are open‑ended questions?
One of the most supportive things you can do when someone shares with you is to listen without judgment and respond with this kind of attitude.
What is curiosity, compassion, and patience?
If someone’s unsure about getting support, you can encourage them by doing this.
What is respecting their pace while gently offering information and choices?
When someone’s behaviour or mood changes and those changes last more than two weeks and affect their daily life, it might mean this.
What is they could be struggling with their mental health?
True or False: You only need to say “I care” once to show someone they’re supported.
What is False? You need consistent, genuine actions to reinforce that message.
After someone finishes talking, you can show you’ve understood by doing this — you might start with “So what I hear you saying is…”.
What is paraphrasing or summarizing their feelings?
Setting these is essential to protect both your relationship and your own mental health when offering support.
What are personal boundaries about time, energy, and emotional capacity?
If someone is unsure about seeking help, you can assist by doing this together.
What is researching available resources and discussing options?
True or False: If someone doesn’t want to talk, the best thing to do is push them to get help right away.
What is False? It’s better to be patient, listen, and let them open up at their own pace.
Instead of only saying, “Let me know if you need anything,” this is a stronger way to show you care, such as offering to make dinner or giving someone a ride.
What is offering specific, practical help?
True or False: If you’ve been through something similar, you should always jump in with advice based on your experience.
What is False? Advice or personal stories can help — only if shared sparingly and gently
True or False: If a friend is struggling, and talking with them is emotionally draining, the best approach is to completely step away from supporting them.
What is False? You can set boundaries while still staying emotionally supportive
When helping someone connect to resources, it's important to be aware of this, especially in smaller communities.
What is confidentiality and privacy?
When checking in with someone, your opening line should include these two things to help them feel safe.
What are specific facts you’ve noticed and a non-judgmental tone?
Making someone feel safe starts before a conversation. Name two daily behaviours that signal you’re approachable and trustworthy.
What are being inclusive, and a compassionate, helpful listener?
Name two nonverbal signs you can give someone to show you are actively listening and supportive.
What are making eye contact, facing them, nodding, leaning in, and keeping your arms relaxed?
Name two best practices for setting boundaries when someone leans on you heavily, so the friendship stays healthy.
What are communicating limits early and revisiting those limits as circumstances change?
If local services have long wait times, you can explore these alternatives to ensure timely support.
What are online resources, helplines, or community organizations?