Getting and giving support
Seeking support from family and friends
Share your strategies for staying well with those close to you, so that they can help you stick to them. Talk about how you’re feeling – don’t keep things bottled up. Discuss potential triggers with your family and friends so that they can support you in avoiding or managing difficult situations. You may identify with some of the common triggers listed throughout this booklet.
It’s also important to recognise the early warning signs if you’re becoming unwell and when you should speak to your doctor. Your friends and family can help by looking out for changes in your thoughts and behaviour that you may not notice yourself.
Supporting someone to stay well
It’s common for people who know someone with anxiety or depression to worry about doing or saying the right thing. They may also experience their own feelings of anger, guilt or fear.
Overcoming these feelings and understanding how they can help to provide a safe and supportive environment for their loved one is important. The role of a support person may include listening (without judging), identifying early warning signs, helping to make and sometimes attend medical appointments, encouraging healthy lifestyle habits and social contact, and encouraging the use of activity and ‘stay well’ plans.