How to be a good listener

It is important to be a good listener when helping someone who is struggling with mental health. 

Being a good listener shows that person that you care and want to help. 

Some people use their own experiences to help others. ​ 

To show that you are listening properly, you could repeat back what the other person has said.

You can also use eye contact.  

Nodding is another way to show you are listening.​ 

Do not think about what to ask next. Just focus on what they are telling you before you say anything back.​ 

This will make the person feel like they can talk to you about any worries they have.  

Empathy is being able to understand and share someone else's feelings and emotions. 

To show empathy to someone you should think about how they feel.​  

You can also ask about things that might help them.

You could also talk about a time when you felt the same way and struggled with a mental health problem.  

This Easy Read has been created in partnership with Generate.