Helping someone

Helping someone can be challenging and you can often feel confused and not know what to do. This page contains links and resources to help you to support the person you are concerned about. People that are experiencing mental health issues often say that the stigma attached to mental ill health and vulnerability can make their difficulties worse. By being there you can make a difference. 

If you are really worried about a person and believe they could be at risk please seek support and professional advice (please see below).

However, supporting others can be demanding on our own wellbeing so it is vital to support yourself by having good boundaries and people who can be there for you.

CBT interventions for mental health professionals (mood disorders) HERO IMAGE 1

Do's and don'ts for helping friends with eating disorders

Suggestions for interacting with your friends or loved ones who are suffering from an eating disorder.

MIND: Can you make someone get help with their mental health?

Young people talk about how their friends and family reacted to them talking about their mental health problems.
Accommodation - St Thomas Court exterior

SU Advice Centre

Know how you can support someone who feels suicidal, with practical suggestions for what you can do and where you can go for support.
Cann Woods in Plymouth

SU Advice Centre

Offers free, independent, confidential, impartial advice.
The service can be described as the ‘Citizens Advice Bureau for students’ with advice on student funding, academic, housing, benefits, legal and debt.
UPSU
Girl using mobile

Connect with others

  • YoungMinds parents helpline offers free, confidential online and telephone support, including information and advice, to any adult worried about the emotional problems, behaviour or mental health of a child or young person up to the age of 25.
  • Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or not.
  • NHS 111 advice in England when you need medical help fast but it's not an emergency.
Drop-in sessions and support
University of Plymouth campus