“Knowing that you know me so well. It makes it easy to really be honest about everything that's happening rather than give you bits and pieces”

There are the friends you see every once in a while and have a good time with. Then there is the kind of friendship where you truly now the ins and outs of each other’s behaviour, feelings, and thoughts.

Two mates, Steven and Quinton, are prime examples of the latter. It’s this friendship that’s seen them both through tough times.

Steven credits a conversation with Quinton as helping change things for him.

“We were just at your house, on the back deck,” says Quinton.

“It was just us doing our own thing, yarning and whatnot. It was one of those times where you know when something’s up and be like, ‘girl, what’s going on?’”

“I can sort of sense when something is up”.

When someone is struggling with life there are certain signs and changes in behaviour that you may notice. They could seem more tired than usual. What Quinton noticed were changes in Steven’s behaviour and mood.

“You’re very short when you’re stressed. You know, you keep in your own head.”

“Those things are very easy to pick up, and it comes down to being friends with you.”

Having someone to speak openly with and share what’s happening inside can really make a difference, something Steven knows well.

“Talking to me and saying that it’s ok to feel like this has meant a lot.”

“Sometimes I feel I shouldn’t be doing this, I shouldn’t be feeling like this, and sort of need to pick myself up and get moving.”

“Whenever I can talk to you about my situation, it’s like a cleansing. I’m not the only person that has to sit with this now,” he says.

Talking openly, listening to people’s stories, and treating people who are struggling with respect and dignity is an awesome way to show your support.

“You don't have to have all the answers, but just being able to hear someone's story or about their situation is probably the best starting point.”

“Cause you can figure out the rest later.”

“Have that starting point. It’s something so simple, it doesn’t take much effort, and it can impact someone, really a lot.”

Get behind the campaign at www.ruok.org.au/strongertogethe r