OHMYGOSSIP — Dr Alex George has urged people to use their “instincts” to support their friends who may be struggling with their mental health amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The A&E doctor – who tragically lost his 19-year-old brother Llŷr to suicide last year – was appointed Youth Mental Health Ambassador by the Prime Minister to advise the government and raise the profile of mental health education and wellbeing in schools, and the former ‘Love Island’ star is giving his advice to those who may be concerned about their friends, schoolmates, or kids.
He said: “When you ask someone, they might say they’re fine. Our instincts are really powerful and we can realise when someone may be – are they actually fine or are they just saying that? “And then taking that opportunity, if that moment’s appropriate, or maybe a bit longer – in the day at work or school and saying, actually I just feel like you don’t seem quite yourself today. Are you sure you’re ok? Are you sure you don’t want a chat? “And sometimes that is the opportunity that person needs, if they want to speak, to say actually this has happened. Doing that and being there for someone is what counts.”The 30-year-old doctor – who shot to fame on ‘Love Island’ – knows people sometimes worry about what to say, but admits “actually listening is one of the best things you can do”.
Speaking to ‘BBC Breakfast’, he added: “And then people worry about what words to use and how to be there to support people but actually listening is one of the best things you can do and being a friend to someone. Just being a shoulder for them to lean on and pointing them in the right direction. “There’s been some brilliant updated guidance by the NHS about what do when you’re struggling, both for parents and students or children as well. And how to support people if you think they’re struggling .. Often people think where can I go? Who can I reach out to? There’s amazing organisations out there.”
Source: VacationHunter.Online
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