Are you worried about how a friend is doing?

If you’re concerned about a friend or classmate, it’s natural to feel unsure what to do. You don’t need to have all the answers; simply noticing that something’s not right can make a big difference.

This page will help you recognise the signs that someone might be struggling, offer support, and know when to reach out for professional help.

Spotting the signs

Sometimes the signs that someone is struggling can be obvious. Other times, they may be more subtle.
Trust your instincts – if someone seems different from usual, it’s okay to ask how they’re doing

You might notice that a friend:

Withdraws from social activities or stops attending classes.
Seems unusually quiet, distracted, or irritable.
Shows changes in mood, sleep, or energy levels.
Talks about feeling hopeless or makes worrying comments about life.
Looks unwell or stops taking care of themselves.

If you’re unsure, remember you don’t have to diagnose the problem. Recognising that something might be wrong can help your friend get the help they need.

How to help

You don’t need to be a counsellor to help someone – just being there can make a difference.

Here are some simple ways to help:

Check in: Find a confidential space where they feel comfortable and ask how they’re doing. A simple “You don’t seem yourself lately. Are you okay?” can open the door.
Listen without judgment: Let them talk at their own pace. Avoid trying to fix everything – sometimes listening is enough.
Show empathy: Acknowledge their feelings and remind them they’re not alone.
Encourage support: Reassure them that help is available and suggest they speak with the Student Support team, their GP, or somebody they trust. Offer to help them make contact or explore wellbeing resources together if they’re nervous.
Look after yourself: Supporting someone else can be emotionally heavy, so reach out to us to seek support if you need it too.

Reach out to speak with a Wellbeing Advisor at wellbeing@rcl.ac.uk to seek professional advice.

What we can do

If you’re seriously worried about someone’s safety or mental health, the Wellbeing and Disability Support team can step in to help.

Our trained professionals can:

Reach out directly to the student.
Offer practical and emotional support to them.
Implement reasonable adjustments to make learning more accessible where appropriate
Connect them with specialist mental health support services
Ensure regular check-ins and implement safety plans if they are at-risk of harm to themselves.

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, contact emergency services (999).

You can also call the Samaritans (116 123) for 24-hour confidential mental health crisis support.

Need more help?

Book an appointment with the Wellbeing and Disability Support team for advice and support.

Worried about a friend?