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Tips & scripts
What to say.
Language is a tool. Small shifts open big conversations.
When they shut you out
Try
"I'm not going to fix it. I just want to sit with you."
Avoid
"Try this… / Just don't think about it."
After a hard school day
Try
"What part of today felt the loudest?"
Avoid
"So what's wrong? / Why are you like this?"
When you're worried about a friend they have
Try
"Tell me about them — what do you like about being around them?"
Avoid
"I don't want you hanging out with them."
Warning signs to notice
Sudden withdrawal from friends or activities they used to love
Sleep changes: very little, or sleeping all day
Giving away possessions, or making statements like 'it doesn't matter'
Drop in grades or skipping school
Self-harm marks, or dramatic clothing shifts to cover skin
Expressions of hopelessness or being a burden