There are a lot of ways you can help a friend struggling with mental health, but it's hard sometimes to know which way will benefit them the most, and make them feel heard.

The Health Promotion Agency suggests an approach called the, "How to do Nothing" campaign, which recognises that a lot of the time, teens want to help their friends but aren't sure exactly what to do or say. The campaign encourages just being there with your friend, not trying to solve the problem or play 'therapist' but to instead, just 'do nothing' together. Some of their key messages include: 

• " Got a friend who's feeling down? Do nothing with them. Because just being there really helps. You don't need to have all the answers. " 

• " Young people gain skills and confidence on how they can support a friend in need. "

In this way, you don't have to worry about fully solving the problem which is troubling your friend, it can be something totally out of either of your control, and they might not want to talk about it. But doing nothing is something you can both do together, to let them know you are there to support them. ​

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To learn more about the campaign, visit the Health Protection Agency website about "How to do Nothing" here: https://www.hpa.org.nz/campaign/how-to-do-nothing , and view some resources, like cool depictions of the strategy in video format here: https://www.hpa.org.nz/how-to-do-nothing-resources .

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Although this can be an effective strategy, some friends might prefer for you to help in different ways. Some helpful ideas about helping a friend in need can be:

• Encouraging them to try some of the self-care tips above - you can invite them to do an activity with you such as take a walk or watch something together to help move their focus for a while.

• Ask them if they want to share or talk about what's going on. Even though some people don't prefer to, others may want to vent and express their emotions if they feel comfortable doing so. It can be extremely helpful to just be a listening ear for them, and validating their feelings.

• If things get more serious and you suspect your friend is in danger, it can be necessary to consult an adult - especially if being there for your friend is becoming more taxing on your own mental health than not. It may be helpful to provide your friend with the helplines below.

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Since we as a company do not have all the information, research and advice to fully advise any solution on these problems, visit the Child Mind Institute website here: https://childmind.org/article/support-friend-with-mental-health-challenges/ with more in depth tips and advice.

More than anything, by just caring and being there, you're already being a good friend. We want to thank you for keeping your friends safe ♡.

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