Recognising and responding to relationship-related distress

Our relationships play a huge role in our wellbeing. Supportive, healthy relationships can give us a sense of safety, belonging, and resilience. But when relationships become strained — through ongoing conflict, feeling unsupported, or a breakup — they can take a toll on how someone is feeling.

As a Community Engagement Point (CEP), you may notice when someone in your community is struggling with relationship challenges. This doesn’t mean taking on the role of a counsellor — it’s about offering a compassionate first response and, if needed, connecting them to further support.

We are building a network of trusted people and places who can help their community recognise distress earlier and respond with empathy.

What to look out for

Relationship-related distress doesn’t always look the same. Some people will share openly, while others may show it in more subtle ways. As a CEP, you might notice:

• Changes in mood or behaviour such as sadness, irritability, anxiety, or withdrawal.
• Signs of stress like trouble concentrating, disrupted sleep, or heightened emotional reactions.
• Expressions of hopelessness, e.g. “I can’t do this anymore” or “what’s the point?”
• Frequent complaints about a partner, or mention of ongoing conflict at home.

How you can help

Your role as a CEP is not to solve the issue, but to be a safe and supportive presence. You can:

• Offer a listening ear without judgement.
• Acknowledge what the person is going through.
• Reassure them that they are not alone.
• If they’re open to it, connect them with the Short-Term Support Team (STST), delivered by the Mareeba Community Centre, for short-term, confidential support.

Why this matters

Relationship challenges are one of the most common triggers of distress in our community. By noticing early signs and responding with compassion, CEPs can make a real difference — helping people feel less isolated and more supported during difficult times.

What could your involvement look like in reality?

At the local netball club

Anna, who manages the local netball club, notices one of the regular players, Jess, seems quieter than usual and has been skipping games. When Jess does come along, she looks upset and mentions arguments at home.

As a CEP, Anna doesn’t try to give advice about the relationship. Instead, she listens, reassures Jess that it’s okay to feel upset, and reminds her she’s not alone. Jess says she just needed to talk it through for now. Anna checks that Jess knows she can also be connected to the Short-Term Support Team (STST) at the Mareeba Community Centre if things feel heavier. In this case, no referral is made, but Jess feels supported and knows a pathway exists if she needs it later.

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