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Spotting the signs in a mate, partner or son

You don’t need to be an expert to notice someone is carrying more than usual. Here is what to look for, and what to do next.

Most men who reach out say someone else noticed first. A mate, a partner, a parent. You do not need training to be that person. You need to know what to look for and what to do next.

What to look for

Withdrawing from things he used to enjoy. Being short-tempered over small things. Drinking more. Sleeping badly or all the time. Saying he is fine in a way that closes the conversation.

What to do

Ask twice. The first “you alright?” gets “yeah, fine”. The second, a bit later, gets closer to the truth. Then listen without fixing. Then, when the moment is right, point to a route in. HUMEN’s Find your space is built for exactly that handover.

If it’s urgent

If you think he is in immediate danger, call 999. For urgent mental health support, contact NHS 111 or Samaritans on 116 123. HUMEN is here for the moment before crisis, not during one.

Find your space.

Free, confidential 1:1 therapy through our BetterHelp partnership. No waiting list. No judgement.