The EMB ProjectHelp Someone
You don't have to have all the answers.
When someone you care about is struggling, it can be difficult to know what to say or do.
You don't have to fix everything. Being there, listening without judgement and helping someone connect with the right support can make a meaningful difference.
You are not responsible for managing someone else's mental health on your own.
What do I do?
When someone uses their mental health to pressure you
Emotional pressure can happen in any close relationship — between friends, family members, parents and children, or partners. It isn't only something that happens in romantic relationships.
An example
“If you don't do what I want, I'm going to kill myself.”
Hearing something like this can leave you feeling frightened, trapped, guilty or responsible for someone else's safety.
Even if the person is genuinely struggling, it is not okay to use the threat of suicide to control someone else's choices.
Their feelings may be real, but controlling you with those feelings is not okay.
Things to remember
- You are allowed to say no.
- You are not responsible for keeping someone safe by doing whatever they demand.
- You do not have to keep threats like this secret.
- Take a threat of suicide seriously — but involve a trusted adult, a professional or emergency services rather than handling it alone.
- If you feel pressured, frightened or controlled, that matters too.
- This can happen in friendships as well as family relationships.
- Getting help does not mean you are betraying or abandoning them.
You can care about someone without carrying their safety on your shoulders.
You matter too.
Supporting someone can be emotionally difficult.
You are allowed to have boundaries.
Talk to someone you trust about how you're feeling, especially if the situation is becoming overwhelming.
Helping someone does not mean being available all the time or becoming their therapist.
You deserve support too.
You don't have to say the perfect thing.
You don't have to fix everything.
You don't have to do it alone.
Sometimes helping someone starts with simply saying: “I'm here. Let's find some help together.”