Good to Talk · Helping a mate · Free. Always.
Ask twice when you need to
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E. If you need urgent mental-health help but it is not an emergency, in England call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option or use NHS 111 online where appropriate.
“You alright?” “Yeah.” End of conversation. We all know that one.
Make the second question different
Try: “No, seriously — you've seemed a bit off lately. How are you actually doing?” Explain what you have noticed without accusing him.
Pick your moment
Side-by-side can be easier than face-to-face: walking, driving, doing a job, sitting after football. Privacy matters more than creating a dramatic setting.
Don't force disclosure
If he does not want to talk, leave the door open: “No pressure. I'm here if you do — and I'll check in again.”
Useful next pages
Trusted help & further reading
- NHS — where to get urgent help for mental health
- NHS Every Mind Matters — helping others
- Samaritans — if you're worried about someone else
This section is practical guidance, not emergency or clinical care. If somebody's safety is at immediate risk, use emergency services.