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Helping friends

Helping a friend through a tough time can be rewarding, but can also feel overwhelming. While you're caring for your mate, it's also important that you look after your own health and wellbeing. Learn more about how to help those around you whilst looking after yourself.

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How to ask a friend if they're okay

When you're worried about someone, sometimes the best thing you can do is listen and let them know you're there for them.

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6 ways to help a friend with depression or anxiety

Check out our tips for helping a friend with mental health concerns, but remember to look after yourself, too.

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Looking after yourself when caring for someone else

Looking after yourself is a really important part of caring for someone else. Here are a few tips to make sure you’re looking out for number one, as well as the person you’re helping out.

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My friend is suicidal

Having a friend who’s suicidal can be pretty confronting. If you’re worried that a friend is in immediate danger, there are services you can call.

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How to help and support a suicidal friend

If someone you know is at risk of suicide, watch our video on how to support them and help them stay safe.

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What to do when someone doesn’t want help

You can feel a bit lost when someone close to you needs help but doesn’t want to accept it.

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Helping a friend with stress

Got a mate who’s always stressed out? Sometimes people aren’t coping and they need a friend to step in and help them out.

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Helping a drunk friend

Friends look out for each other, and that’s especially important when you’ve been drinking. Drinking alcohol involves some very real danger.

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How to help a friend with drug addiction

Drug addiction can be a really rough time to go through on your own. Here are some tips on how to help a friend struggling with drug addiction.

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How to support people from different cultural backgrounds

We can all make a difference in stopping discrimination and racism in its tracks. Learn how you can support people from different backgrounds and those who experience racism.

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Why helping out mob makes us all feel deadly

Your mob is your family and community. Everybody needs a little help sometimes, and the more you help out the stronger mob will be.

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Rugby League legend, Joe Williams talks about ways to create a safe place for others to ask for help

Former Rugby League legend Joe Williams and Justin Tall share their story about how to get support in tough times.

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How to help a mate who's really struggling with the drought

We've put together some tips to help if you're really worried about a mate during the drought.

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batyr's five tips for supporting yourself and your mates

We’re stoked that you wanted to learn a bit more about mental health and wellbeing after hearing from our friends at batyr.

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        We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

        We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

        ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              Aboriginal flagTorres Strait islander flagRainbow flagAustralian flag

              We acknowledge the traditional owners of Country throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to Elders past and present. We recognise connection to Country as integral to health and wellbeing.

              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

              © ReachOut Australia 2025