Gyina Me Ho Reviewed 20 October 2026
What to say when someone says “I’m not okay”
It takes courage to say it out loud. What you say in the next few minutes can decide whether they ever say it again. You don’t need to be an expert. You need to be kind, calm and present.
Five moves anyone can learn
We call them B·L·A·S·C. They follow the same idea as the World Health Organization’s psychological first aid: look, listen, and link people to help.1
- Believe. “I believe you. Thank you for telling me.” Don’t argue with how they feel.
- Listen. “Tell me more. What has it been like?” Let the silence sit. You don’t have to fix it right away.
- Ask. “How are you really doing? Is it feeling too heavy?” A gentle, honest question tells them it’s safe to be real with you.
- Stay. “I’m not going anywhere. Can I check on you tomorrow?” Then actually check.
- Connect. “Let’s call 0800 678 678 together.” The Mental Health Authority helpline is free and open 24/7.2
Things that hurt more than they help
- “You’re too blessed to be sad.” It tells them their pain is a failure.
- “Others have it worse.” True or not, it shuts the conversation down.
- “Just pray about it.” Faith can be a real comfort, and praying together can help. On its own, though, it can sound like “don’t bring this to me”. Offer prayer and care.
- “Don’t tell anyone.” Secrecy is one of the main ways people in Ghana cope with stigma, and it keeps them from help.3
Better words to reach for
“That sounds really hard.” “You’re not a burden.” “I’m glad you told me.” “We’ll figure out the next step together.” Simple words, said honestly, do more than a perfect speech.
When to get help straight away
If they talk about not wanting to be here, or you’re worried they might hurt themselves, don’t leave them alone. Call 0800 678 678 together, or 112 if they are in danger right now.
Look after yourself too
Standing with someone is heavy. Rest, talk to someone you trust, and remember you can call the helpline for yourself as well.
Common questions
What should I say when someone says they are not okay?
Start with belief and thanks: “I believe you. Thank you for telling me.” Then listen, ask gently how heavy it feels, stay with them, and help them connect to support such as Ghana’s free helpline, 0800 678 678.
What should I not say to someone who is struggling?
Avoid lines that shame or dismiss, such as “you’re too blessed to be sad”, “others have it worse” or “don’t tell anyone”.
Sources
- World Health Organization, Psychological first aid: guide for field workers
- Mental Health Authority, Ghana
- Barke, Nyarko & Klecha, The stigma of mental illness in Southern Ghana, Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology (2010)
StigmaClear shares education and peer support, not medical advice. If you’re worried about your health, speak to a health worker.