Normalizing discussions around mental health:

• Starting conversations about mental health, by asking your peers how they are doing.
• Sharing your own mental health struggles.

Creating a safe space for people to talk:

Letting your friends know you are there for them, if they need to talk, and if they decide to share with you,

• Listen patiently
• Do not judge, or blame them
• Empathize with them— “I can see that this is upsetting for you.”
• Do not offer advice, unless they ask you
• Do not pressurize them to talk about something, that they don’t want to
• Respect their personal boundaries

Information shared with you must be strictly confidential. If there is danger to them or to someone else, then you must share only that information that’s relevant to get them the help they need; while conveying that it continues to be a safe space.

Getting them help when they need it:

As a mental health ally, there is only so much you can do. It is important to understand your limitations as a family member, friend, or peer. Write to us at counselling@manntalks.org or reach out to a mental health professional by calling on our helpline 8686139139 between 9 AM to 8 PM , on all days of the week.