It's normal to be concerned when it seems like someone you care about is not acting like their usual self. You may wonder whether they are struggling with their mental health. 4 helplines are available in Queensland, Australia to offer you support and advice. Feel free to reach out if these signs seem familiar:

They are easily startled.
They have started using substances like alcohol or drugs more often.
They have become more withdrawn.
They have mentioned that they have the intention to hurt someone else.
You don’t hear from for days or weeks, when you used to hear from them often.
They have stopped caring about their physical appearance.
They have suddenly lost or gained a lot of weight.
They are seeing or hearing things that are not really there.

Most people find it difficult to know what to do or say when someone close to them appears to be struggling with their mental health. It's normal to feel a desire to help yet at the same time feel helpless. There are ways you can support your loved one that are not overly complicated.

If you feel alone in supporting a loved one through a crisis, then reaching out to a helpline volunteer in Queensland, Australia could help. A helpline volunteer will offer you trusted advice on how to be there for the person you care about while looking after yourself at the same time.