My close pal is struggling with his mental health and he is shutting me out

DEAR DEIDRE: A CLOSE pal is really struggling with his mental health and, although we are good mates, I know he is shutting me out. We have worked together for nearly ten years at the same engineering firm. He has always seemed like the life and soul of the party but as I have got to know him better I’ve started to see how stressed he gets, especially before a big meeting.

He has admitted to me he gets stressed but when I’ve asked him to talk to me, he says he just needs to get on with it. How can I get him to open up? Get in touch with the Dear Deidre team Every problem gets a personal reply from one of our trained counsellors. Fill out and submit our easy-to-use and confidential form and the Dear Deidre team will get back to you.

You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page or email us at: deardeidre@the-sun.co.uk MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE DEAR DEIDRE My husband is convinced I’m cheating and I’m even starting to question myself DEIDRE'S STORIES Victoria's vicious plan to sabotage her friend’s relationship DEIDRE SAYS: It’s very good that you are encouraging him to talk to you.

While this may seem simple to most of us, for some this is a huge and alien challenge. Reassure him that whatever is going on in his head will start to lighten if he can talk to someone. If he isn’t comfortable opening up to you, advise him to contact Mind, the mental health charity, (mind.

org.uk, 0300 123 3393)..