I Know Jenny | Signal For Help

Reaching out to your friend/colleague isn’t always easy but may go a long way to help them. Here are a few tips on starting a conversation with Jenny:

Find a good time and place. Not in the drivers room when people are coming and going. Also, not when Jenny is time poor. Suggest going for a coffee/drink after work or finding a spot that is free from distractions. Focus on what you have noticed and try to add something positive. “Jenny, I feel a bit slack as I haven’t said anything before, but you don’t come to the sausage sizzle anymore. We miss you. I’m here to listen if you would like to tell me why. “

Encourage and support Jenny to talk: “Jenny it’s hard to believe COVID is over, how did you cope living by yourself?” “Jenny, I was thinking the other day how hard these last two years must have been for you living alone. Are you OK?” “Jenny are you OK? I’ve realised I don’t see you very often and I just wanted to let you know I am here if you want to talk.” “Jenny, have you seen the Signal for help website? I had a look yesterday and it was great. Those stories could be any of us, and I want you to know I am here if you want to talk about it.” Don’t use criticism or guilt to get them to talk to you.

If Jenny doesn’t want to talk, invite her to talk to you when she is ready. It is not your role to be a health professional, but you could play a role to help Jenny attend her doctor to gain the right treatment. The best support might be making an appointment for her and offering to drive and wait. You can also support her in speaking to her supervisor, reviewing this website, or talking later, when she is ready.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Depression can be successfully treated. By understanding what treatment options there are, you can provide the necessary support and direction to your friend/family/colleague to access a treatment that supports them.

To learn more about depression and how it can be managed, please click here.

WHO CAN I TALK TO? WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

Your local GP or mental health practitioner can help you understand mental health and provide advice. Other good links for you to review or people to talk to include:

Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/depression

Black Dog Institute https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, visit https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/emergency-help/

Lifeline https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/information-and-support/depression/

If you want to talk to someone for free you can