Why are we so shy when it comes to reaching out? So many people will experience mental health problems, but a lot of us – especially men – still don’t consider mental health relevant to us. But we’ll all know someone with a mental health problem, even if they haven’t felt able to tell us yet.
I hadn’t thought about mental health that much before I met Jonny on the bridge that day. I saw him from far away; it clicked immediately why he was there. I didn’t think I would reach him first, because a lot of people were going by. No one stopped; hardly anyone looked. It was obvious he needed help. I didn’t feel it was that big a deal, I did what I thought anyone would do. I wasn’t trying to fix his problems that day, I just listened, and it had a huge impact on Jonny’s life.
But you don’t have to intervene in such a serious situation to make a difference. If one of your mates is acting differently or isn’t being themselves, don’t ignore it – check in and see how they’re doing. A mental health problem will be hard for your mate to deal with, but it doesn’t have to be scary for you. It’s easy, really – you don’t have to be an expert. All you have to do is ask how they’re doing and listen to what they say. Just doing that could be a really big help.
Since being reunited with Jonny years later, we’ve developed a friendship, and now he knows I’ll always be in his corner. I’m so glad that he’s still on the planet, and I’m happy to have played a part in that. He’s a great guy, and I know if I ever need anything, he’s in my corner too.
So if you do one thing today, reach out to a friend who’s having a hard time, someone who’s withdrawn or acting differently. Haven’t heard from one of your mates in a while? Drop him a line and ask how he’s doing. It’s not hard, and it might be a big help.
