You're doing the right thing by checking in. But some things are too complex for one person to handle alone, and that's where the pros come in.

Suggesting someone talks to a counsellor, therapist, or GP can feel like a big step. You might worry it'll sound pushy, awkward, or like you're saying "you're too broken for me to deal with."

It doesn't have to land like that.

You're simply pointing out that there's more support available, and it works.

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When it might be time

• They've mentioned this has been going on for a while
• They seem overwhelmed, stuck, or hopeless
• You've reached a point where you're feeling out of your depth (which is totally normal)
• They're talking about self-harm or having thoughts of hurting themselves

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How to bring it up naturally

"Have you ever thought about talking to someone who's trained in this stuff?"

"It might be worth having a chat with a professional. Just to get a bit more support."

"If you ever want help finding someone, I'm happy to look with you."

You're planting a seed and showing that talking to a professional is normal, useful, and nothing to be ashamed of.

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What to avoid

Skip the ultimatums. Skip the failure language. Skip the assumption they’ve never thought about it before. The point is to make the option feel safe, not like a judgement.

What you are saying is simple: “There’s more support out there. You deserve to use it.”

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If they're open but don't know where to start

That first step can feel massive. You can make it easier by walking a bit of the path with them.

• Help them Google a local therapist or look up services together
• Offer to sit with them while they make a GP or doctor appointment
• Share practical resources (like our Get Help page) with options that go beyond "have you tried meditation apps?"

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If they're in crisis

If someone mentions wanting to hurt themselves or having thoughts of suicide, this moves beyond friendly support into crisis territory. Stay calm, take it seriously, and help them connect with immediate professional help.

What to do:

• Stay with them. This is not a "well, let me know how it goes" moment.
• Say something steady. "That sounds really serious. Let's figure out the next step together."
• Ask gently but clearly. "Are you safe right now?", "Have you felt like hurting yourself?"‍
• Stick with them. Help them call someone they trust, their doctor, or a mental health helpline.

You are not overreacting. You're doing exactly the right thing.

Not sure where to point them? Check out our Get Help page.