How to Bring Up Worry Without Sounding Alarmed
Starting conversations, about 1 minute
A voice full of alarm can sometimes make a difficult conversation harder to have, because the other person may feel they need to manage your reaction on top of their own difficulty. Speaking calmly, even while genuinely concerned, tends to make honesty easier. A steady, unhurried pace tends to serve this kind of situation well.
Simple, steady language works well, such as saying you have noticed something and you wanted to check in, rather than announcing that you are worried sick. A calm tone signals that the conversation is safe, and that whatever the answer is, you will be able to handle it.
If the conversation reveals real distress, Lifeline is available on 13 11 14 at any hour, and the Suicide Call Back Service can be reached on 1300 659 467. This is not something that needs to be resolved in a single conversation. It is entirely reasonable to feel unsure about how to begin.
Printed from suicide ends. If you need to talk to someone now, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.