Body
Talk about the changes in them that you have observed. It is important not to be judgemental, angry or accusing. There's no right way of expressing things – the main thing is to be thoughtful and genuine. An example might be, "I know you’ve been having trouble sleeping and concentrating lately, can we talk about that?"
Stay calm
Do your best to speak in a calm, quiet voice. Be aware of your own body language, and try to maintain eye contact and sit in a relaxed position.
Be a good listener
Do not underestimate the power of listening. Giving the person space to talk and letting them know that they have been heard is a valuable and supportive contribution. Remember that this is their story, so don’t try to guess how it plays out. Instead, listen and ask questions.
You don’t need to have all the answers – it’s about the conversation and the support you offer by listening and talking. By showing support and offering to talk, you can make a difference. The person might take action at a later stage or continue the conversation with others.
Have patience
Be patient – it may take a while for the person to process what you are saying and respond to your concerns. Giving the person time to reflect on the discussion is beneficial. Returning to the discussion at a later time may be helpful.