It helps to chat

THIS year, more than three million Australians will experience depression, anxiety or both. Today, seven Australians will die by suicide.

It may be someone in your family, a person you work with or a mate on your footy team. You may have noticed something is amiss, but you are not sure if you should say something or mind your own business.

Many people do not know what to say or worry they could make the situation worse by approaching the person.

But reaching out to someone you are worried about is often the catalyst for that person starting on the road to recovery.

To help people to have what could be a difficult chat, beyondblue has produced a guide on how to Have the Conversation.

The guide explains how having a conversation can help people feel less alone and more supported in getting help for anxiety and depression, and what to do if your attempt to have the conversation is met with a bad reaction.

If you are struggling a bit, but don't know how to reach out for support, or you're concerned about someone else, but don't know what to say, visit www.beyondblue.org.au/conversations

GEORGIE HARMAN,

chief executive, beyondblue.