Watch for subtle signs

We might notice changes like mood swings, isolation, or preoccupation with certain activities, or losing interest in things that they used to enjoy.

Encourage them to seek help

We can offer a safe space for our friend to talk and encourage them to seek professional help. Offering to accompany them to the first consult can make a big difference.

If our friend is already seeking treatment, check in with them on their progress and provide encouragement.

Introduce positive alternatives

Suggest healthier coping strategies based on their interests or participate in healthy activities like exercising or doing something creative. Finding ways to fill their time with other activities can help them deter from engaging in their addiction.

Be patient and understanding

Depression can drain a person’s energy and drive. At times, our friends might appear irritable, impatient, or say hurtful things but try to not take it to heart as these may be due to their condition and not necessarily directed at us.

Here are other things to take note of when our friends are not acting in their usual ways:

• Empathise with them
• Know that they are trying their best
• Do not judge or criticise them
• Avoid telling them to be positive or “snap out of it”
• Refrain from blaming them or pressuring them to get well soon

Look out for warning signs of suicide

People with depression may have an increased risk of suicide . Be prepared by knowing the concerning behaviours to look out for. If our friends display any signs of suicide, take it seriously and consider seeking professional support.

Manage our expectations and recognise small improvements

Give our friends the time that they need to improve. Their progress may sometimes seem insignificant to us (e.g. a decrease rather than complete stop in over washing their hands), but it might have taken a lot for them to accomplish.

We can encourage them to keep trying by consistently acknowledging their small accomplishments and praising them.

Avoid judging or making negative remarks

Try to remain open and refrain from making negative remarks about their behaviours. Show our support by lending a listening ear and encouraging them to share about their struggles.

Be mindful not to accommodate their obsessive thoughts and compulsions

Avoid offering assurance about their obsessive thoughts or helping them perform certain rituals as it will not be in their best interest in the long term.

Remind them that although performing these rituals may make them feel temporarily better, it will worsen their symptoms in the long run. We can also encourage our friends to seek professional help if it interferes with their daily lives.

Understand that supporting avoidance or forcing confrontation are not solutions

Avoidance is not helpful for their anxiety in the long run. Try not to help our friends avoid situations that they are fearful of (e.g. by taking over their task so they can avoid doing them).

However, remember to practise discretion when doing this. If they start to show extreme fear, refrain from forcing them to confront it as this could cause them additional distress and affect their trust in us.

Encourage them to focus on things that they can control

Help our friends identify what they can and cannot control. Being able to divert their attention and energy towards what can be controlled will help them improve their situation.

Refrain from asking them to stop worrying

Lend our friends a listening ear and validate their feelings instead of asking them to stop worrying. Let them know that it is okay not to be okay at times. We can also guide them to refocus their attention on other activities, like taking a walk, listening to music or going to a quiet corner where they can calm themselves down.

Make plans to prepare for difficult episodes

Mood episodes can be unpredictable and last for days, weeks, or even longer. This can disrupt and cause significant challenges to the daily lives of our friends. Help them identify their triggers, symptoms, and warning signs to discuss ways we can help them to better manage their episodes.

Encourage them to seek treatment

Bipolar disorder can be effectively treated with medication and support from healthcare professionals. Reassure our friends and let them know that we will be there to support them. We can also encourage them to adhere to their prescribed treatments so they can better manage their symptoms.

Be aware of the warning signs of suicide

Our friends with bipolar disorder may have an increased risk of suicide. We can stay alert and prepared by learning to look out for concerning behaviours.