What to Do When You're Concerned About a Friend's Mental Health

It’s tough when you notice a friend isn’t themselves. Maybe they seem quieter, more withdrawn, or just not as happy as usual. If you live on the Southern Gold Coast or Tweed region and you’re worried about a mate, you’re not alone. Many young people spot when something’s wrong but don’t know what to do next. This guide will help you understand how to support your friend while also looking after yourself.

A calm Southern Gold Coast beach at sunset, symbolising hope and reflection

Recognising When a Friend Might Be Struggling

Sometimes it’s clear when someone is having a hard time, but other times the signs are more subtle. Here are some things to watch for:

• Changes in mood, like sadness, irritability, or anger that last for days or weeks

• Pulling away from friends, family, or activities they usually enjoy

• Trouble concentrating or a drop in school or work performance

• Changes in sleeping or eating habits

• Talking about feeling hopeless, worthless, or overwhelmed

• Risky behaviours like drinking too much or self-harm

  
  

If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s okay to feel concerned. It means you care.

How to Start a Supportive Conversation

Approaching a friend about their mental health can feel scary, but it’s important to try. Here are some tips to help you start:

• Find a quiet, private place where you won’t be interrupted

• Use “I” statements like “I’ve noticed you seem down lately, and I’m worried about you”

• Be gentle and patient, don’t rush the conversation

• Let them know you’re there to listen, not to judge or fix everything

  
  

You don’t need to have all the answers. Just showing you care can make a big difference.

Listening Without Judgement

When your friend opens up, your role is to listen. That means:

• Paying full attention without interrupting

• Avoiding criticism or telling them what they “should” do

• Acknowledging their feelings with phrases like “That sounds really hard”

• Being patient if they don’t want to talk much at first

  
  

Sometimes just being heard helps people feel less alone.

Encouraging Your Friend to Seek Help

It’s important to remind your friend that professional help is available and can really make a difference. You can:

• Suggest talking to a trusted adult like a parent, teacher, or school counsellor

• Encourage them to contact a mental health service or helpline

• Offer to help them find local support or even go with them if they want

  
  

If your friend is in crisis or talks about harming themselves, get help immediately by contacting emergency services or a crisis helpline.

Community noticeboard showing local mental health support flyers in Tweed region

Remember to Look After Yourself Too

Supporting a friend can be emotionally draining. It’s okay to ask for help yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed. You don’t have to carry this alone. Talking to a trusted adult or a professional can give you the support you need.

How HubbleGC Can Help You Find Support

HubbleGC is a great place to start when you want to find help for yourself or a friend. It lists youth services, crisis support, and wellbeing resources across the Southern Gold Coast and Tweed region. Whether you need counselling, emergency support, or just someone to talk to, HubbleGC makes it easier to find the right service close to home.

You can explore the website to discover:

• Local youth mental health services

• Crisis helplines available 24/7

• Support groups and community programs

• Information on how to get help quickly

  
  

Using HubbleGC means you don’t have to search alone or guess where to turn.