Top tips from Mind
1. Ask questions and listen
Asking questions can give the other person the chance to express how they’re feeling and what they’re going through, and it will help you to understand their experience better. Try to ask questions that are open and not leading or judgemental – such as “how does that affect you” or “what does it feel like?”
2. Think about the time & place
Sometimes it’s easier to talk side by side rather than face to face. So, when you talk in person, you might want to chat while you are doing something else, such as over a cuppa and a biscuit, walking, cooking or travelling in the car together. The more typical the setting, the less unusual and uncomfortable the conversation can feel.
3. Be patient
No matter how hard you try, some people might not be ready to talk about what they’re going through. That’s ok – the fact that you’ve tried to talk to them about it may make it easier for them to open up another time.
4. Ask twice
We know that people often say they’re fine when they’re not. So, asking twice is an important way of starting conversations about mental health and letting people know that you really are interested. Even if someone doesn’t feel like talking at that moment, they know you’ll be there to listen when they’re ready.
5. Talk about yourself
If you want someone to open up to you, it can help them feel safe and understood if you share your own feelings. It could be as simple as sharing that you feel down sometimes or sharing something that you’ve been worrying about recently. This will make it clear that you’re happy to talk about feelings and that there won’t be any judgement.