Welcome to Episode 2 of Part 2 in our podcast series, ‘See Something, Say Something, Do Something’. Today, we’re diving into the ‘Who’ of saying something.
In Part 1, we explored the ‘Who’ of seeing something, and now we’ll shift our focus to the ‘Who’ of saying something. The key issue in both of these dimensions is familiarity. The more you know someone, the better you understand their habits and behaviors, making it easier to notice when something changes. Remember our earlier discussion in Part 1 about changes in the B.E.A.T.? These shifts are crucial indicators that someone might need support.
Given that 1 in 5 people are living with a mental health concern, it’s highly likely that the person who needs your help will be someone you know reasonably well. This brings about some important dynamics to consider when using the ALGEE action plan. While it might seem more difficult to approach a stranger, familiarity can actually complicate things. Your familiar relationships are probably built on mutual comfort and easy expectations, and for that reason, it may feel out of character to speak up. You might worry about jeopardizing that relationship or making things awkward.
But don’t let those concerns hold you back! The stakes are too high to stay silent. Plus, remember, the steps of ALGEE aren’t about giving advice or dictating what someone should do. They’re about approaching the situation with compassion and respect. If you keep your tone non-judgmental and your intentions clear, you’re far more likely to convey care rather than discomfort, and this can actually strengthen your relationship.
It’s also important to consider how you express your concern. Sometimes, the way you communicate can matter even more than the specific words you choose. But we’ll delve deeper into that in upcoming episodes.
Join us next week as we explore the ‘What’ of saying something. And remember, your willingness to engage can make a profound difference!