How to help someone in a vulnerable situation?

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the TQueremos hotline for support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

📞 TQueremos Line: 800 813 9500 / 442 295 3004

What happens when I call the TQueremos Line? (Spanish article)

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

What do you observe?

They are irritable and behave aggressively when they didn't use 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 distanced themselves 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 friends, a 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, listen or say things that are not necessarily congruent with reality.
Has given up activities that they used to enjoy.
Has begun or increased the use of alcohol, smoking, or any illegal substance.

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 get 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. (Spanish article)

Understanding substance abuse and addiction disorders

Most of the people will try one or more mind-altering substances at some point in their lives, either for recreational purposes or because it was prescribed to them. When they take a drink at a party, smoke a joint, or take a pill that wasn’t prescribed to them, it often starts as casual, social use. But over time, what starts out as a way to experiment or have fun can lead to substance misuse and “addiction”—what health professionals call a substance use disorder.

Misusing substances can have serious effects on physical health and emotional well-being, and can even change the way the brain functions. But with treatment and support, it is possible to recover from a substance use disorder.

To learn more about this topic, click here.

Understanding Depression and Depressive Disorders

What is Therapy and Will it Work?

Suicide prevention: What Are the Warning Signs of Suicide?

Understanding Self-Injury

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

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

How and When to Help a Friend Reach Out for Support

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 world of difference. Check out the tools, from conversation guides to tips, so you can help those in need.