batyr's five tips for supporting yourself and your mates

Welcome to ReachOut!

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

ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. We offer practical support, tools and tips to help you get through anything from everyday issues to tough times.

Head here to find out more.

1. Look Out: What are some of the signs you can look out for in yourself or a mate who might be having a tough time?

batyr’s program highlighted some things you could look out for if you were worried about a friend. Some examples are: changes in behaviour; avoiding being with friends and family; and being tired, irritated or aggressive.

Our tough times page can help you figure out what to do if you recognise some of these signs in yourself or a friend. There is info on everything from depression and anxiety to addiction and feeling isolated.

2. Get Talking: Why does talking about mental health encourage others to reach out?

The more comfortable we all are with talking about how we’re feeling, the easier it will be for those who are struggling to ask for support. Check out the benefits of talking here.

If you’re not ready to share your experience with friends or family, you can get support at ReachOut’s forums. This is a supportive, safe and anonymous space where people care about what’s happening for you, because they’ve been there, too.

3. Listen Up: What does ‘active listening’ mean to you?

Active listening is a great skill to have; it shows your mates that you’re there for them, and opens up space for them to be honest with you. It’s an important step in being the best kind of friend you can be. We’re all different, with views and opinions formed from our own unique experiences. Check out some listening skills worth having.

4. Reach Out: What are some ways a young person could reach out if they were going through a hard time?

From going to a GP or a counsellor, to accessing online services such as ReachOut, there are heaps of ways to reach out when you’re going through a hard time. This page can help if you don’t know where to start or just want to learn about your options. If you think it’s a bit more serious, check out our urgent help page.

5. Take Charge: What can you do to look after your own mental health and get through tough times?

Finally, check out our info on staying fit and healthy and keep working on your mental fitness. If things are starting to feel overwhelming, seek help early. You can work on your mental strength like you do your physical health. (Think of it as gym for the mind.) If you want to understand more about wellbeing, head here.

Always remember that life is a journey. No one has it all together, but there are definitely things we can do to help ourselves and take charge of our mental health. You’ve got this!