Liam hasn’t been texting as much lately. He hasn’t been showing up at board game nights, and his beard is more disheveled than usual.
If you have a friend like Liam, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Chris is constantly stressed out. He’s been working overtime at the hospital and jokes that his relationship is falling apart.
If you have a friend like Chris, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Jim has stopped playing cards with his friends and going for walks each day, and he’s been losing his patience with facility staff.
If you have a friend like Jim, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Aiden is overwhelmed with all the uncertainty going into his first year of college. His classes are online and he’s anxious about how his first year will be.
If you have a friend like Aiden, it’s time to step up and offer your support
Amir seems like he has his life together. He’s a confident guy, and he always looks sharp. But Amir makes a lot of jokes about depression and suicide.
If you have a friend like Amir, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Steve has been smoking and drinking more than usual. He’s been talking about how much his life sucks, and how he feels like a burden.
If you have a friend like Steve, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Marcos is working from home and taking care of his new baby. When asked, he says he’s doing okay but he’s not his usual enthusiastic self.
If you have a friend like Marcos, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Clay’s farm isn’t doing well this year and he says he hasn’t been able to finish his daily jobs. He’s not going to the coffee shop or texting friends anymore.
If you have a friend like Clay, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Luis is a star athlete on his university team, but lately, he’s been showing up late to practice and he hasn’t been able to keep his grades up.
If you have a friend like Luis, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Jamal looks exhausted lately, and when he’s off, all he does is watch TV and sleep. He used to be the life of the party, but he hasn’t texted his friends in months.
If you have a friend like Jamal, it’s time to step up and offer your support.
Dec. 4-10, 2023
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Men have a suicide rate 3x higher than women.
Guys, here’s what you can do.
1 · PAY ATTENTION
Any noticeable change in his behaviour is a warning sign your friend might not be doing well. These changes include:
- Not texting or calling as much
- Drinking more than usual
- Appearing tired and distant
- Talking about how much life sucks
- Being more irritable or angry
2 · START A CONVERSATION
Choose a comfortable setting.
- Over the phone
- While driving in the car
- Over drinks at a favourite hang out
- While working on a project
Mention what you’ve noticed.
- “I haven’t heard from you much these days. Is everything okay?”
- Don’t blame or shame him.
3 · KEEP IT GOING
Ask questions and listen to what he’s saying.
- “The other day you said your life sucks… what’s that like for you?” Avoid instantly problem-solving.
- Don’t make it seem like he’s overreacting, and don’t change the subject.
- Back him up and acknowledge his feelings: “That sounds really hard.”
- If you’re still worried about him, ask: “Are you thinking about suicide?” If he says yes, don’t panic.
- Let him know you’re there for him: “Thanks for telling me. That’s really hard to do. Can you tell me more about it? I’m here for you.”
4 · STICK TO YOUR ROLE
You’re a friend, not a counsellor.
- Who else has he told? Encourage him to reach out to others.
- Call the crisis line, Talk Suicide, together: 1-833-456-4566
- Following the conversation, check in with him often.
- If he has imminent plans to die, contact 911 and ensure he is not left alone.
