How to help someone in a vulnerable situation?

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the TQueremos Line for support 24/7, 365 days a year.

📞 TQueremos Line: 800 813 9500 / 442 295 3004

What happens when you call the Tec’s emotional support line?

Download the app!: AppStore-PlayStore

Online service: https://www.tec.orienta-me.com

What do you see?

They are irritable and behaving aggressively when they didn't used to be like this.
Has told you that they are angry or depressed.
Resists accepting the possibility that they have a problem even when it may be obvious.
They have withdrawn from their group of friends.
Their social media posts have changed and you are concerned.
Other friends have expressed concern about their behavior or mood.

They have had a problem with their friends, partner or family that you know affects them and they are reluctant to talk about it.
You have offered them help on several occasions and they refuse to accept it.
They have told you that they think, hear or say things that are not necessarily congruent with reality.
Has given up activities that they used to enjoy.
Has begun or increased their use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal substances.

What can you do?

Extend an invitation to talk somewhere they feel comfortable.
Express your concern by asking questions that allow you to understand what is going on and how you can help.
Listen carefully to the reasons for their feelings or actions, and express that you are there to help.
Ask what they have done to try to resolve the situation.

Encourage them to ask for and/or receive help; if they accept, tell them about the services available at TQueremos.
If your friend does not recognize the problem, does not accept your help, and is not willing to talk to someone, you can be an Active Witness and refer the situation to the TQueremos Hotline.

Understanding substance abuse and addictions

Most people will try some mind-altering substance at some point in their life, either for recreation or prescription. When you consume alcohol, smoke, or take pills for which you don't have some sort of prescription, it often starts out as casual or social use. However, what may have started out as an experiment or fun can eventually lead to abuse or "addiction," what health professionals call a substance use disorder.

Abusing substances can have severe effects on your physical health and emotional well-being, in addition to changing how your brain works. With treatment and support, it is possible to recover from a substance use disorder.

To learn more about this topic, click here.

Entendiendo el abuso de sustancias y adicciones

Understanding Depression and Depressive Disorders

What is Therapy and Will it Work?

Preventing suicide: know the warning signs and how to help

Understanding self-injury

Entendiendo la imagen corporal y alimentación

Understanding Body Image Struggles

When You’re Worried About a Friend Who Doesn’t Want Help

How and When to Start a Conversation with a Struggling Friend

Cómo cuidarte cuando estás cuidando de alguien más

How to Take Care of Yourself When You’re Taking Care of Friends

Cómo y cuándo ayudar a una amistad a pedir ayuda

How and When to Help a Friend Reach Out for Support

Señales de que una amistad puede estar batallando emocionalmente

Signs Your Friend Might Be Struggling Emotionally

Seize The Awkward

For more information on what to do in cases like these, you can visit the Seize The Awkward page, which was created in partnership with JED, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Ad Council.

This initiative centers around the importance of having conversations that can make a big difference. Check out the tools, from conversation guides to tips, so you can help those who need it.