Learn the ALAN method to help a friend struggling with their mental health

It’s tricky to know what to say to someone struggling. You know you should reach out, but you don’t want to say the wrong thing. So you let the silence linger and feel rubbish for doing so. The ALAN method is a tool developed by CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to help get the conversation started, and make us all more comfortable checking in on someone who seems to be having a tough time. It’s easy to remember and just as easy to do. Learn it, remember it, and have it in your mental back pocket for the next time you’re nervous about bringing up someone’s wellbeing.


Think of it as introducing a pal to a guy called Alan, then tick off each step.

1.Ask.  Ask open questions, such as ‘how are you doing?’. Give the person time to open up if they need. It’s okay to say you’re worried, or that you’re not sure how to start the conversation but you wanted to see if they’re okay. Asking is the very first step in breaking down that wall and making a connection in someone’s time of need. Continue reading.

Originally posted on Metro.

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