Is everything really ok?

Sometimes it’s hard to tell if someone is struggling with their thoughts and feelings.

You might be laughing with your mates one minute and feeling totally lost the next. That’s ok, feelings can be confusing. What matters is knowing you’re not alone, and neither are your friends.

Why checking in matters

We all wear masks sometimes, like a smile or a ‘yeah, I’m fine’. But underneath, things might not be fine at all. For many people, opening up about emotions can feel tough.

That’s why checking in with your mates matters. Not just the casual ‘you alright’, but the real kind of check in. The one that shows you’re open to talk or just listen. Sometimes, that’s all someone needs to hear.

What to look out for

It’s not always obvious when something’s off, but trust your gut. Look out for signs like:

• they’ve gone quiet or stopped showing up

• they seem more tired, stressed, or maybe a little snappy

• they’re acting differently, even if they say they’re fine.

If something feels off, ask the question: Is everything really ok?

Check out our guide to spotting the signs that someone’s mental wellbeing might need a little TLC.

What to do if they say they’re not ok

Here’s how you can help:

• listen – no judgement, no pressure, no fixing. Just being there can mean a lot to someone who is struggling

• encourage them to talk to someone they trust – an adult, a teacher, a coach, or their family

• share our website – we’ve got links to people who can help to cope with mental health and feelings, with life’s ups and downs.  There are also places that can give advice about exploring your sexuality, looking after your mind and body and keeping yourself safe.

• keep checking in – ask how they’re getting on, keep inviting them, even if they’ve said no in the past.

Need urgent help?

If you or someone you know needs help right away, support is here for you.