What to do if someone says they’re not okay?

[Myamay1377]

By checking on someone’s mental health and they tell you they’re not okay. Someone I’ve known for a while and have history with told me the night before explaining how he felt about his life and things. I checked on him today and he said he wasn’t okay, I asked how and he said he already explained to me. I didn’t know how to respond so I just asked if he needed space and he said no. So what should I do or say now? Just say okay and leave him be?

[B0nerD0nor]

I’ve dealt with that a couple times. One friend one family member and it can be a very draining situation for all in involved.


The family member tried to drag me down with them as they seen no solution to fix the problem. They were facing a astronomical amount of debt and couldn’t secure a loan to consolidate it. I asked what I could do to help and they said nothing. Tried to help them with a place to stay to get on their feet. Didn’t want to stay with us and tried to guilt trip is as we couldn’t pay their mortgage for them. Lost the house and cars and then tried to make us the bad guy that we wouldn’t run them everywhere at a moments notice.


The friend refused to talk about and waned no help of any kind and didn’t want to be left alone. So did what I could to keep him busy and mind off of it. Ended up dying a few month later.

[clampfan101]

Ask if they want my help.
If they say no, I’ll give them space. (Maybe double checking first.)
If they say yes, I’ll do what I can.

[arsonMouse]

Be there for them. Try to cheer them up. Don't bring up what's bothering them, but don't leave them alone to wallow about their situation. They said that they don't want space, so they probably can't do anything about their situation and need a distraction.

[Anonymous]

Just be there for him. He's hurting