ONLINE COUNSELLING DETAILS
Online, one-to-one treatment, delivered by Friendship Bench trained peer counsellors. Sessions are held on WhatsApp or standard call and SMS channels (country rates apply).
Sessions include screening for symptoms of common mental health conditions, problem-solving talk therapy and behavioural activation based support. Sessions last 30-60 minutes (the first session is usually the longest) we recommended that people do a minimum of 3 sessions to be able to experience the full benefits of the problem-solving therapy intervention.
Designed for people suffering from mild-moderate depression, anxiety, substance misuse, suicide ideation, emotional distress, relationship difficulties or people who have poor quality of life due to the emotional distress brought on by chronic medical illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, or HIV/AIDS.
This service is not a substitute for professional help.
KNOW SOMEONE WHO YOU THINK NEEDS HELP?
WHAT TO DO
If someone lets you know or you think someone is struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings, it's common to feel like you don't know what to do or say – the good news is you don't need to be a professional to show someone you care about them. Just being there for someone is extremely valuable.
OFFER THEM EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
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Listen, let them talk freely
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Offer empathy and reassurance
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Stay calm (if you need to freak out do it later)
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Be patient
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Do not judge
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Do not make assumptions
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Do not minimize (e.g. "at least you have food on the table")
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Stay in contact with them
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Do not make promises
YOU CAN'T FORCE SOMEONE TO TALK TO YOU OR TO GET HELP, BUT YOU CAN LET THEM KNOW YOU ARE THERE FOR THEM WHEN THEY ARE READY