Phillip Clare
10 Mar 2023
If you or someone you know is struggling, knowing what to do can make a big difference.
Everyone has tough days - moments where things feel overwhelming, stress builds up, or emotions seem too big to handle. That’s completely human. But sometimes, those feelings hang around longer than they should. Knowing what to do can make a big difference if you or someone you know is struggling.
Step 1: Notice the Signs
Mental health struggles don’t always look the same for everyone, but some common signs include:
Feeling constantly sad, tired, or numb
Losing interest in things you used to enjoy
Changes in sleep or appetite
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling anxious or panicky a lot of the time
Wanting to withdraw from friends or activities
Saying things like “I can’t do this anymore” or “What’s the point?”
It’s okay if you don’t check every box. Even just one or two of these could indicate that it’s time to contact someone.
Step 2: Talk to Someone You Trust
You don’t have to go through things alone. Telling someone what you’re feeling can be a huge relief. This might be:
A trusted teacher or school counsellor
A parent, carer, or older sibling
A close friend
A support person from a service like Counsel Clouds
You don’t need to have the perfect words. Even saying, “I’ve been struggling and don’t know what to do” is enough to start a conversation.
Step 3: Get Support
If you or someone else is going through more than a bad day, professional support can help:
School counsellors or mental health staff can offer regular check-ins or strategies to manage emotions.
Online mental health services (like yours through Counsel Clouds) are there to listen and guide — privately and respectfully.
In urgent situations (like if someone talks about wanting to harm themselves), don’t wait. Get help right away from a trusted adult or emergency service.
If You're Worried About a Friend
It’s hard seeing someone you care about hurting. You can:
Gently ask how they’re doing - even just “You don’t seem yourself lately. Do you want to talk?” can open the door.
Listen without trying to “fix” everything. Just being there matters.
Please encourage them to speak to an adult or use a support service.
If you’re concerned, don’t keep it to yourself. It’s okay to ask a teacher or counsellor for help — even if your friend doesn’t want you to. Safety comes first.
It’s OK to Ask for Help
Mental health isn’t about being “strong” or “weak.” It’s about being human. Everyone needs support sometimes, and getting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
No one has to face hard things alone. Support is always there, and taking that first step is one of the bravest things you can do.