Friday Feels #1 - Getting Help

​Getting Help for You or a Friend

Friday Feels #1

“True strength is the courage to ask for help.” - Simon Sinek

​What should you do?

In the following slides, you will be presented by situations and you will decide if it is something that you (or with your friends) can handle, or would you need help from an adult.

Poll

Your 2 best friends get into a disagreement and are currently not speaking to each other.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

Your friend said they met someone online and the person is going to pick them up tonight for a date.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

You notice cuts on a classmate’s arm that you suspect are related to self-harm.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

You are very anxious about an upcoming test.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

You observe one student teasing another student, and the other student teases back.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

You observe one student teasing another student on a few occasions, and the student is quiet and appears upset.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

A friend texts that they have been down lately and names a few specific reasons.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

Your friend’s behavior completely changes.  They don’t seem to care about anything and start abusing alcohol when they never would have touched it before.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

You are annoyed by your classmate who can’t seem to be quiet in class.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Poll

You have had trouble getting a handle on your emotions lately.  You are starting to contemplate suicide, and even have thought about how you might do it.

• I (or with my friends) can handle it.

• I would need an adult.

Common Situations Where You Might Need Help

• Experiencing anxiety, depression, or persistent sadness

• Dealing with bullying or peer pressure

• Facing family conflict or instability at home

• Struggling with substance use or risky behaviors

• Experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide

• Dealing with relationship problems or abuse

These situations are more common than you think!

Seeking help for yourself, or for someone else, is the responsible choice!

Types of Support Available

• School counselors and social workers

• Teachers and trusted adults

• Family members

• Mental health professionals (therapists, psychologists)

• Crisis hotlines and text lines

• Peer support groups

• Community organizations (churches, BAHCC)

Steps for Approaching a Friends Who May Need Help

1. Choose the right time and place: Find a private, calm setting where your friend feels comfortable talking.

2. Express concern with care: Use "I" statements. Say things like "I've noticed you seem really stressed lately, and I'm worried about you" rather than "You're acting weird."

3. Listen without judgment: Let your friend share their feelings. Avoid interrupting or minimizing their concerns.

4. Encourage them to seek help: Suggest specific resources like talking to a school counselor or calling a helpline. Offer to help them take that first step.

5. Know your limits: You are a friend, not a therapist. If your friend is in immediate danger, tell a trusted adult immediately.

6. Follow up: Check in with your friend after they've sought help to show you care.

Taking Action

Getting help is always the right choice!

• Asking for help shows courage and maturity

• There are people and resources available to support them

• They can make a real difference in a friend's life by encouraging them to seek help