Helping someone you love
How to start the conversation, find care together, and take care of yourself too.
- Choose a calm moment. Talk privately when neither of you is rushed or upset. Say what you've noticed and that you care. “I've been worried about you” goes further than a list of problems.
- Listen more than you talk. Ask open questions and let them answer. You don't have to fix everything in one conversation.
- Offer specific help. Offer to look at options together, make the first call, or give them a ride. Waypoint's Quick Match can help you narrow down options in a few minutes.
- Keep safety in mind. If they talk about suicide or you think they're in danger, call or text 988, or 911 in an emergency. If opioids are involved, keep naloxone (Narcan) on hand.
- Get support for yourself. Family peer support, support groups, and family therapy can help you cope and stay connected.
For a child or teen, a parent or guardian can usually arrange care directly. Look for children's mental health services and school-linked mental health programs.