Your friend might need a help!

Our friends notice more, first of all, our changes in mood, our behavior, and our habits, and that’s why friends are the best psychologists. It could indicate the development of general fatigue, irritability, or shyness in social settings. We could have the hardest time sometimes identifying just what is bothering us, but the feeling that something isn’t right is there. There are also moments where friends share their mental health hurdles with one another. Going through tough times with friends is one of the marked features that friends have in common.

Sometimes it can be difficult to know if a friend is struggling. Below are some common signs that your friend may need support.

The task of recognizing when a friend is down is a hard one to accomplish. Changes in their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors might indicate more than just everyday challenges.

Friendships become uncertain in our smartphone age.

Noticeably anxious

Displaying strange behavior or getting angry about nothing becomes ominous social harbingers.

You might push your boundaries, which can turn out to be on the side of the line and perhaps harmful.

Talking about feeling hopeless

Using excessive drugs or consuming an even larger quantity of alcohol compared to normal.

Unconcerned with their schoolwork

Harming themselves

How to Offer Help

Make sure you are prepared to express all your feelings and thoughts.

When the friend is alone there, c’mon that friend.

Specify that you were harboring apprehensive feelings and provide the reason for them. In this way, appeal to them on a human level by letting them know that you are only interested in their well-being and not some ulterior motive.

Expressing your feelings connected with their attitudes through “I” sentences will be more accessible.

Keep in mind that they have something to say. Making use of seeking clarity from your friend about whatever is happening, accepting things the way they are and that what your friend is saying is from their point of view, as well as showing your friend that you are listening to them and that you are doing so with an open mind as you try to understand the situation, are all part of being a helping friend.

Help them with the entire process of searching for resources.

Find out if they need something, such as studies or food shopping.

Conversation starters

Here are a few ideas on how you can start a conversation with your friend.

• “How have you been? I’ve noticed you missed class a few times.”
• “You haven’t seemed like yourself lately. Is everything okay?”
• “When you’re ready to talk, I’m here to listen.”
• “Life can be overwhelming sometimes. I’m here to talk if you need me.”