Sir, my friend texted me,

he wants to end his life! What should I do NOW?

We are classmates and same assignment group. We usually eat together and hang out together.

Sometimes, we have online phone calls to chat together & Albert is usually cheerful and humorous.

Narration by Vincent

I am also his roommate and I noticed he has sleep problems.

We usually have dinner together, but Albert has been reluctant to join recently.

I noticed he was in a bad mood and I tried to ask him how he was doing.

It’s 3am, Albert is still awake…

I’m okay…

Bro, you seem…

I found that he was not his usual self. He was absent from classes lately . I called him...

As we are friends, I wished to hear him out, I managed to call him at night.

Hey Albert, are you alright?

I’m sorry Jess, I ‘ve got you all worried. I had a fight with my family recently. I made a big mistake and lost a sum of money.

I received these messages this morning.

Albert is not coming to class again?

Jess & Vincent, Thank you for coming to me, it's great to see you approach your friend.,

The caring part of both of you are important, as the intention is good, you wish to listen and support your friend.

Don’t panic,

take a deep breath, Inhale ‘Intention’, Exhale ‘Support’, you got this!

Yes, we are friends, we wish to help, but I don’t know how. I’m afraid he will not want to see a counselor too.

Well, he also cheers me up when I'm down, so I want to support him.

Here are some tips for you. There are ways to provide support to friends in need.

Suggesting counselling is a sensitive topic. Making them uncomfortable or embarrassed in front of other people can only further complicate things.

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Side Note (Reminder)

If you have never been to counselling or do not know someone who has, then do a quick internet search to find success stories to share.

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I know our counsellor Mr. Benjamin personally, an expert on this. He is also a friendly and approachable person. Would you let me help you to get help?

If you've never attended a counselling or do not know someone who has, then do a quick internet search to find success stories to share.

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Side Note (Reminder)

I've also gone through counseling, and in fact, it has helped me learn more about others and myself

Bro, I am proposing you counselling because I see that you are struggling.

It’s easy for someone to feel offended by the suggestion of “needing” psychological support.

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Side Note (Reminder)

As your best friend, and teammates, I’m always your supporter. I’m happy that you share your struggles with me, but I’m not an expert. I’m thinking that maybe a counsellor would be much helpful.

I’ve done some confidential research and have a few names to offer you.

Thanks for listening to me.

Is talking to a counsellor really help?

I know it's not easy to open up and share, thanks for trusting us, we know that counselling could be helpful and wishes the best for you.

Counselling is professional helps, each counsellor’s approach is unique and can be beneficial for you.

You can try 1 or 2 sessions. It’s your rights to stop if you find not suitable.

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3 Star Referral

Give referral information (counsellingquery@tarc.edu.my / online registration form QR code)

4 Star Referral

You can help to make arrangement to seek help, i.e., help them to make a counselling appointment.

5 Star Referral

Help them make an appointment and accompany them on their first visit.

With a better understanding, I'm less worried now and I'm more mindful of how to approach and help Albert.

Me too, I'm more relaxed because I know how I can help him now.

Sure, our doors are always open for you should there be any need along the way.