Do’s and Don’ts
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My friends are distressed. What should I do to help?
Do This!!- Listen to them attentively
- Encourage them to share with you their distress at their own pace
- See if there is suicidal risk, for example, self-harming or making a will. If yes, you should seek help with them
- Ignore them
- Being indifferent
- Do nothing
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What should I say to friends with distress?
Do This!!- Give them hope, by saying, “Your problem cannot be solved right at this moment. But you can solve it step by step and thing will get better.”
- Show them your care and support, by saying, “I am here for you and I am willing to help.”
- Ignore their feelings. Don’t say, “Your problem is trivial. There is nothing to be unhappy about!”
- Make judgmental statements. Don’t say, “They are just kidding! Don’t be touchy!”
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What should I do if my friends keep silent?
Do This!!- Let them know that you are there for them, by saying, “I am willing to listen. I will stay with you. Call or text me when you are ready to tell.”
- Insist that they speak. Don’t say, “How can people know why you are unhappy if you do not speak!”
https://www.studenthealth.gov.hk/english/health/health.html Joyful@HK
https://www.joyfulathk.hk/en/index.asp