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Support for others

Worried about a friend

We’re here to help you find the best way to support them and yourself

It can feel worrying when you think someone you know might be struggling with their mental health. You do not need to have all the answers to make a difference. Sometimes, simply showing you care and being willing to listen can be the first step toward helping them feel less alone.

On this page, you will find practical ways to check in and encourage someone to get the support they need. You will also learn what to do if you see harmful content online and how to look after yourself while supporting someone else.

Advice

What can I do?
There are things you can do to support the person you care about and to look after yourself, but remember that helplines are there if you need extra support. You do not have to manage this on your own.

Worried about a friend or someone you know

  • Start by asking how they are. You could share what you’ve noticed that made you concerned.
  • Give them time to respond. Try not to answer for them or pressure them, just listen.
  • Check in regularly. A simple message or conversation can show you care and remind them that they have people they can talk to.
  • If you’re worried they might be suicidal, ask directly. Mental health experts say a clear question can help someone open up, even if it feels difficult. You could ask ‘are you thinking about harming yourself?’.
  • Encourage them to seek help. You could share helplines, online chats, or trusted adults who can support them. You could also stay with them whilst they seek support if that’s something they would like and you feel able to.

Understanding what to look out for

  • Changes in behaviour. Someone struggling with their mental health might seem withdrawn or less interested in things they usually enjoy.
  • Sharing heavy feelings. They might talk about feeling unworthy, like a burden, or share thoughts such as “nobody likes me” or “I’m not good enough.” This might be in conversation or through what they share and engage with online.
  • Sharing signs of feeling hopeless. They may share things like wishing they weren’t alive or not wanting to be here anymore. This could also be a theme within the content they share, like or comment on.
  • It’s may not always be obvious. It might be hard to spot these things if someone doesn’t want others to know how they are feeling. In this case they might appear to be their normal self.

Worried about someone online

  • Reach out if you know them offline too. You could send a message or check in directly on the platform to show you care.
  • Report harmful content. If what they post suggests they may be suicidal or could encourage others, report it to the platform straight away.
  • Share something positive. If they seem low, send content that might lift their mood or help them focus on something else, even for a short time.
  • Look after yourself too. Seeing harmful content online or someone who might be struggling can be difficult. Reach out to a helpline or talk to an adult you trust for support.

Spotting harmful content

  • Content which encourages others to harm themselves or end their lives is harmful. This content can present itself as a solution to feeling low or depressed but there is safe help which can support anyone affected.
  • Content which promotes eating disorders is harmful. Sometimes this content is easy to spot as it may encourage someone to not eat but sometimes it can be subtle. Anything which is not recommended by the NHS or a licensed dietitian may not be safe to follow.
  • Content which triggers heavy negative feelings can be harmful. It’s normal to see something sad and feel affected by that but if those feelings are overwhelming or it feels like there is no escape from them then it’s important to get help.
  • Content which discourages someone from getting help is harmful. This would include content which encourages someone to keep their feelings private or makes them feel that no one will understand or want to help. It could also be content which gives someone pre-written answers to deflect questions from loved ones.
  • Algorithms can feed us harmful content. Platforms recommend content based on our activity and data, but they don’t check if it’s healthy or harmful. If you interact with sad or negative posts, you may see more of them, this is not your fault.
  • Constant exposure to harmful content can negatively impact your wellbeing. This could include content that talks about being unworthy or a burden and make you feel like this will never change. This isn’t true and with the right help anyone affected can feel differently.
  • Not all harmful content will be obvious. Sometimes it could appear as art or content which is simply sharing someone’s feelings. It could also be content which feels relatable to us if we are already feeling low or anxious.
  • There are other types of harmful content. These include violent or distressing content and hate speech or bullying or content. There are also illegal forms of content which include child sexual abuse material, terrorist activity and content which incites violence against others due to their race, religion or ethnicity.

Reporting harmful content online

  • Report harmful content directly to the platform. There will usually be a report button on the content itself so look out for a flag or 3 dots. You can also report profiles of accounts which are continuing to share harmful content. Look out for the 3 dots at the top of a profile to make a report.
  • There’s more support available with reporting to platforms. If you have reported harmful content to the platform but haven’t got a response or need help with the response then you can seek further support via ReportHarmfulContent.com (over 13s only).
  • Report to CEOP if you’re concerned about an adult’s behaviour. If you’re concerned about how someone is talking to you online and that they may be harmful then contact CEOP.

Managing your online space

  • Think about who you follow. Make sure the accounts you follow make you feel happy, amused, inspired or calm. Unfollow accounts that feel harmful or don’t offer you these things.
  • Report harmful content and get help. If you are worried about the content you have seen online then report this to the platform itself. It’s still important to reach out for support as well, this can also get you help with navigating reporting tools.
  • Take regular breaks and protect your sleep. Limiting how long you spend scrolling can reduce exposure to content that affects your mood. Start by setting timers for a break or charging your device on the other side of your room.
  • Balance your time online with other activities. This could be spending time offline, but it could also be doing different activities online like streaming your favourite music or TV show. Breaking the cycle of endless scrolling can help you feel more in control.
  • Make use of wellbeing tools. Set screen time limits or switch to night modes that can reduce functionality on an app. Small changes can make a big difference to how you feel.
  • Put your mental health first online. If what you’re seeing feels harmful, take a break and talk to someone. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to break the pattern of algorithms but taking steps like unfollowing harmful accounts and muting content you don’t want to see anymore can be helpful.
Advice

Seek professional advice

Where to find help

If you or someone you care about needs help please contact one of the services shown below or use the Find a Helpline service to locate more specific services based on your needs and the type of interaction you would prefer.

In an emergency don’t be afraid to dial 999.
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Find the most appropriate helpline based on your location, the type of help you are looking for and how you’d like to make contact.

 

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Shout
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Shout is a 24/7 text service, free on all major mobile networks, for anyone, anytime. It’s a place to go if you’re struggling to cope and you need immediate help

Papyrus
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Confidential helpline for people under 35 or anyone concerned about a young person. Free 24/7

Childline
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ChildLine is a private and confidential service for children and young people up to the age of 19

Call: 0800 1111
Grief Encounter
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A service for young people, their friends or family members needing help or advice following the death of someone close

Samaritans
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Samaritans are available round the clock, every single day of the year

Call: 116 123
UK Safer Internet Centre
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For advice and support to children and young people, parents and carers to promote the safe and responsible use of technology

Resource Hub

Further resources and guidance
If you need more guidance and support, these resources may be useful.
The Samaritans’ Document

The Samaritans’ Document

In the coming weeks there is likely to be a focus in the news on the dangers of online harms, self-harm and suicide related content which can be viewed online as a result of the inquest into Molly’s death.

Read More
Digital safety and wellbeing kit for parents

Digital safety and wellbeing kit for parents

A digital safety wellbeing kit for parents, along with a safety guide for children, have both been produced by a trusted, reliable and informed source – the Children’s Commissioner.

Read More

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