Getting help
How to read the stories

Getting help

The most helpful thing to do is to help the person to talk about how they are feeling, to talk about what is on their mind and what things are troubling them. Often people will avoid talking to each other about unhappy or difficult feelings or particular problems or worries.

If the sad feelings continue then it is advisable for the person to go to see their general practitioner (GP). The doctor will check for any possible health problems that could be contributing to the depression, to investigate and treat these and also to help in finding other types of help if needed.

How to read the stories

There is no right or wrong way to read the stories.

Some people are not used to reading stories. Start at the beginning and read the story in each picture. Encourage the reader to move through the pages at their own pace.
Encourage the person to tell the story in their own words. You will discover what they think is happening, what they already know, and how they feel. If you are using the pictures to help explain a procedure to someone, you may need to describe or clarify the actions being shown in each picture to help them understand. Try not to challenge the reader(s) or suggest their ideas are wrong.
Some pictures may be more difficult to understand. It can help to prompt the people you are supporting, for example:
• Who do you think that is?
• What is happening?
• How is he or she feeling?
• Do you feel like that? Has it happened to you/ your friend/ your family?
Allow people enough time to follow the pictures at their own pace. Allow time for discussion of each picture.
Some people may benefit from reading the larger story from which the extract has been taken. This will allow them to explore their feelings and experiences in more depth. To buy the complete book, follow the link to the bookshop that appears at the end of the story.