Helping others
Sometimes you notice changes in people who are close to you. This could be parents, siblings or friends, for example. If you notice that the person is perhaps quieter, less keen to do things than before or displays new behaviors, this can be worrying. As a relative, you often don’t know what to do and react with worry and uncertainty. However, you are not alone in feeling this way.
You can ask how they are doing and offer to listen and support them. This is often an important signal for the person concerned so that they don’t feel alone. The other person can then decide for themselves whether they want to take you up on your offer.
It can help to ask in a quiet minute when there are just two of you.
Talk to the person and decide together who you would like to turn to. Perhaps there is a school psychologist at your school or your class teacher will support you.
If you don’t want to give your name at first, there are also anonymous counselling services that you can contact at any time. You can find a list below.
It is very important to look after yourself. Perhaps you have flown before and know the example from the aeroplane: if you are short of oxygen, you should always put on your own mask first and then help the people around you. The same applies here: If you feel stressed by the handling, you can also ask a help centre for support and tips.
Here you will find a list of contact points throughout the world that you can contact at any time with your concerns.