The Five W's 

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Why: If you are struggling, whether it be a little or a lot, it’s not helpful to be alone, as this could worsen your situation. In times like these you should be able to talk to someone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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Who: Reach out to someone you trust. This could be a family member or a close friend. It’s even more beneficial to reach out to a school counsellor, because they have the proper knowledge and resources to help you.

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When: Choose a time when you feel comfortable with the person you want to talk to, when you are both free and can focus on the conversation. 

Where: It is best to do this in a place where you can talk openly, somewhere private is more suitable. You certainly don’t have to do it in-person either, sending a text or email might be less intimidating.

What: The most important thing is to be honest. Explain what it is you've been experiencing, and maybe suggest what the person could do to help; this could be providing emotional support like listening, or something more practical. Sometimes practicing what you want to say can help you feel more confident. 

Remember:  Understanding mental health problems may take a while, some people may be surprised or react badly at first. It's important to allow them some time to process what you've talked about, and if you can, plan to come back to the conversation with them again. This will give you more opportunities to explain what you're going through. If reaching out the first time does not go so well, and you struggled to connect,  try again with someone else or go to a school counsellor- they will almost always understand what you are feeling and know how to respond.