FAQs Archive - Hollow Heart

Q: I need help myself and don’t know where to start?

Could you use some of the tips above to start a conversation? Could you use a website like Mind’s Side by Side community to get support online as a first step? https://www.mind.org.uk/

Q: What tips do you have for listening?

Good listening is a real skill and isn’t easy. Try to really listen to what the other person is saying and show you’re taking time to digest this, don’t just wait for them to stop and then start talking straight away. Try not to interrupt as this can put people off opening up. You could ask what the person wants from the conversation, something like “I’m really happy to just listen, is that helpful?” Try to show you’re listening by your non verbal communication; eye contact, concentrating on them but not too intensely, nodding, making brief comments like “that sounds really tough” or something in your own words. Maybe check in with them again in a few days to show that you’ve really heard what they were saying and have taken it seriously.

Q: How do I try to solve someone’s mental health problems?

You can’t! It is human to want to fix problems but try not to take this responsibility on your shoulders. You can offer a listening ear and don’t underestimate how valuable this can be. Remember that we can’t solve someone else’s problems for them, but can offer time and care which might be part of the solution that they find for themselves.

Q: What should I say if someone asks me about my Hollow Heart pin?

Just let them know that the pin is a symbol that you are open to talking about mental health, that you’re trying to raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with talking about mental health difficulties.

Q: What if someone is in a crisis?

Offer them time to talk if they would like this. Offer them information about places they can get support in a crisis e.g. Samaritans, Shout, their local A&E department

Q: What to do if I think someone needs help and they don’t want to talk?

How do you know that someone doesn’t want to talk? If you have tried to approach them and they have declined or pulled away, then see answer above! Make sure you’re not assuming that someone doesn’t want to talk based on ambiguous information e.g. body language. Sometimes people might seem closed off or withdrawn but might really like the opportunity to talk, they just don’t know how to start a conversation. Can you create opportunities in your workplace for people to come together informally e.g. team lunches, putting informal catch up time on the agenda for meetings? This may give an opportunity for someone to talk when they might not feel able to in more formal interactions. Talking takes practice! On the whole, the more someone does this in day to day life, the more able they will feel to do it when they need help.

Q: How do I start to tell someone I need help?

Think about who in your life you might like to talk to. Have two or three options if possible. Approach someone and ask if they have time to talk sometime, you could say you’ve been having a difficult time and you’d appreciate talking things through. Be prepared for people saying no, try to remember that this isn’t personal, they may be busy or have other stuff they’re dealing with. This is why it is important to have back up options!

Q: How do I start a conversation with someone I’m concerned about?

This can be difficult. A lot will depend on your relationship with the person. You might start by saying that you have noticed some changes in them recently, that they have seemed quiet or down, and you could ask if they’d like some time to chat or maybe to go for a coffee together. If they decline or don’t respond then you could let them know that you’re open to conversations in the future, just by saying you’re happy to talk (or listen!) if they change their mind. You could do some training like this: https://www. zerosuicidealliance.com/ suicide-awareness-training if you want to learn more

I need help myself and don’t know where to start?

Could you use some of the tips above to start [...]

By admin|2022-07-21T10:17:24+00:00July 21, 2022|0 Comments

What tips do you have for listening?

Good listening is a real skill and isn’t easy. Try [...]

By admin|2022-07-21T10:15:47+00:00July 21, 2022|0 Comments

How do I try to solve someone’s mental health problems?

You can’t! It is human to want to fix problems [...]

By admin|2022-07-21T10:14:55+00:00July 21, 2022|0 Comments

What should I say if someone asks me about my Hollow Heart pin?

Just let them know that the pin is a symbol [...]

By admin|2022-09-07T18:19:30+00:00July 21, 2022|0 Comments

What if someone is in a crisis?

Offer them time to talk if they would like this. [...]

By admin|2022-07-21T10:13:34+00:00July 5, 2022|0 Comments

What to do if I think someone needs help and they don’t want to talk?

How do you know that someone doesn’t want to talk? [...]

By admin|2022-09-07T18:22:23+00:00July 5, 2022|0 Comments

How do I start to tell someone I need help?

Think about who in your life you might like to [...]

By admin|2022-07-21T10:12:09+00:00July 5, 2022|0 Comments

How do I start a conversation with someone I’m concerned about?

This can be difficult. A lot will depend on your [...]

By admin|2022-07-21T10:11:16+00:00July 5, 2022|Comments Off

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