Helping a Friend

If you suspect someone you know is struggling (based on any of the signs below or other clues), make sure to express your concern and ask them about it. You may be worried that you’ll somehow make things worse by stepping in, but, in fact, people who are struggling often look to their peers, friends, and other acquaintances for support. 

Signs of distress 
  • Feeling sad, withdrawn, or detached for more than two weeks 
  • Seeing, hearing or believing things that are not real 
  • Taking unnecessary risks or engaging in severe/out-of-control and/or dangerous behaviors 
  • Sleep issues – such as being unable to sleep, sleeping excessively or having an erratic sleep schedule 
  • Eating issues – such as not eating or refusing to eat, or intentionally vomiting to lose weight 
  • Regular and excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol 
  • Drastic changes in mood, behavior, or personality 
  • Extreme difficulty concentrating, focusing, or staying still 
  • Recurrent and intense worries, unexplained panic, or fear that interferes with daily activities 
  • Self-harming behaviors (such as cutting, burning, hair-pulling, or hitting) 
  • Thoughts of suicide.  

If you suspect someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or have noticed any of the following warning signs, please refer to the In Crisis on this Website. 

Suicide Warning Signs 
  • Mood swings, rage, uncontrolled anger, hopelessness, feeling trapped or feeling like they are a burden to others 
  • Expressing or hinting at a desire to take their own life, hurt themselves or others, or wishing they were dead 
  • Researching suicide methods/means, acquiring a gun and/or stockpiling pills 
  • Isolation/withdrawal from friends, family and/or society at large 
  • Giving away prized possessions or acting as if they are saying final goodbyes 

Not sure how to help or talk to someone in distress? Consult the following resources: