💬 How to Talk About Mental Health with Your Friends

Have you ever worried about saying the wrong thing when a friend opens up about their struggles? Or maybe you’re the one who’s hurting, but you don’t know how to bring it up without making things awkward.
You’re not alone — and the truth is, most youth in Singapore feel this way at some point.

Between school stress, identity shifts, social media pressure, and figuring out your next steps after graduation or NS, mental health can feel like a quiet storm in the background. We all go through rough patches, but very few of us are taught how to talk about it.

In this article, we’ll break down how to have safe, supportive conversations about mental health — even when it feels hard. Whether you're checking in on a friend or thinking of opening up yourself, here are tips to make those moments count.

😶 Why It’s So Hard to Talk About Mental Health

Mental health still carries a lot of stigma—especially in Asian cultures. You might hear things like:
“You’re just being sensitive.”
“Just study harder, don’t think so much.”
“Last time we also had stress, but we survived what.”

These reactions often come from a lack of understanding rather than harm. Older generations didn’t grow up with the language or tools to talk about things like anxiety, burnout, or depression.

Even among peers, it’s not always easy. Many youth in Singapore hold back from opening up, worried they’ll be seen as weak, dramatic, or a burden. In fact, a study by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) found that 1 in 2 youth believe others view people with mental health conditions as weak.[1]

But guess what?

💬 The simple act of talking about your feelings can make a huge difference.

Research by the Health Promotion Board shows that simply having a conversation can ease emotional distress and build resilience.[2] Opening up, even just a little, helps you feel less alone — and makes it easier for others to do the same.

🗣️ Step 1: Start Small, Be Real

You don’t need to plan a deep heart-to-heart from the start. Sometimes it begins with a simple:

• “Hey, how have you really been lately?”
• “You seemed kind of off recently — want to talk about it?”
• “I’ve been feeling quite down lately... not sure what’s going on.”

You don’t need perfect words. What matters is your intention.

“It’s okay to not know what to say — just showing up matters.”

Try to match your energy to the situation. If your friend seems nervous or unsure, you can say:
“I’m not here to judge. Just here to listen, if you want.”

Or, if you’re opening up, you might add:
“I’m not expecting you to fix anything. I just needed someone to talk to.”

🔑 Step 2: Create a Safe Space

Timing and environment matter. If you’re starting a sensitive conversation:

• Pick a private space — not in a noisy canteen or group chat.
• Avoid rushing — give yourselves time.
• Put phones away, or at least silence distractions.

A “safe space” doesn’t always mean serious or silent. It can be a walk after class, a late-night chat online, or even sharing memes that express how you feel.

Let the person know that it’s okay to be honest. And that what’s shared will stay private (unless there’s a safety issue — more on that later).

👂 Step 3: Listen More Than You Talk

This part is underrated.

When someone opens up, your job isn’t to “solve” their problem right away. Your job is to listen — with presence and patience.

Avoid these common mistakes:
❌ “Just be positive.”
❌ “You should try this app/book/method.”
❌ “At least you’re not like __.”

Instead, try:
✅ “Thanks for sharing this with me.”
✅ “That sounds really hard.”
✅ “I’m here with you. You’re not alone.”

If you’re not sure what to say, it’s okay to be honest:

“I don’t have the right words… but I’m really glad you told me.”

🔄 Step 4: Ask How You Can Support

Sometimes, all someone needs is to be heard. Other times, they may need help finding support.

Try asking:

• “Is there something I can do for you right now?”
• “Would you like me to come with you to talk to someone?”
• “Do you want to just hang out and not talk for a bit?”

If your friend is going through a mental health crisis — talking about self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or completely shutting down — it’s important to take it seriously. You can:

• Encourage them to call or text a helpline (e.g. SOS 1767[3], National Mindline 1771[4]).
• Offer to go with them to an adult they trust — a teacher, counsellor, or parent.
• If the danger is immediate, don’t leave them alone. Get help right away.

Helping doesn’t mean doing it all alone. Sometimes, the most helpful thing is connecting them to the right resources.

🌈 Youth Peer Support in Action

You’re not expected to be a therapist. But peer support matters more than you think.

Organisations in Singapore like Limitless.sg[5] and TOUCH[6] run workshops, helplines, and peer support programmes that empower youth to help each other in healthy ways.

“When I went through my lowest point in poly, it wasn’t a counsellor who helped me first — it was my classmate. She didn’t say much, just let me cry and told me she cared. That made all the difference.”
— Anonymous youth, 20

💭 Closing Thoughts: You’re Already Making a Difference

Talking about mental health doesn’t require special skills.
It just takes:

• Empathy
• Courage
• Willingness to listen

Every time you ask “how are you really?”
Every time you sit with a friend in silence
Every time you say “me too” —

You are making it safer for others to be real.

Let’s build a culture where checking in is normal.
Where feelings aren’t brushed off.
Where youth support each other — not just with advice, but with presence.

✅ Takeaway Tips

How to Talk About Mental Health with Your Friends

• Start small. You don’t need perfect words.
• Create a safe space. Privacy, presence, and patience.
• Listen without judgment. Validate more, advise less.
• Ask what support looks like. Help them feel in control.
• Know when to get help. You’re not alone in supporting someone.

📱 Not ready to talk to someone IRL? Start with Ommu on WhatsApp

It’s 100% anonymous, made for Singaporean youth, and always here to listen — no pressure, no judgment. Whether you need emotional support, a safe space to vent, or just someone to check in with, Ommu’s here at your pace.

📲 Chat with Ommu now →

👥 And when you're ready, pass that courage on. One conversation can change a life.