Friendship, Emotions, Mental Health Struggles, Responsibility
When a friend is going through difficult times, it can be challenging to know what to do or say to help them feel better. It may seem like there are no right answers, but there are ways that you can support your friend during this time while still maintaining a good friendship. Here are some tips for how to handle these situations effectively.
Listen actively when they share their emotions with you. This means avoiding judgment and simply listening without interrupting. You should also try to understand their perspective and validate their feelings. Ask follow-up questions if needed to gain more insight into their situation.
Offer practical solutions when appropriate. If your friend has been feeling down lately due to financial issues, suggest they talk with family members about getting assistance or contact an agency that helps with debt relief. Or maybe they need someone to just go out for coffee together and talk through things. Be sure to ask before offering advice so as not to come across as pushy.
Give encouragement by praising positive actions taken.
Let your friend know that starting therapy was brave of them, and acknowledge any small successes they achieve along the way. Providing positive reinforcement helps boost self-esteem in those who struggle with mental health concerns.
Fourth, set boundaries if necessary. Sometimes friends don't have much experience dealing with mental illness and may unintentionally hurt one another's feelings without realizing it. When boundaries are established clearly from the beginning, everyone involved feels more secure and comfortable.
Perhaps you only want to discuss certain topics at specific times or prefer to receive text messages instead of phone calls. Let your friend know what works best for you and why; be open to compromise as well!
Remember that you can't solve all problems single-handedly but being there matters a great deal. Show compassion, understanding, empathy, patience, kindness, and love while still maintaining personal space between yourself and your friend's struggles. Remember that no matter how hard things get sometimes, we always deserve to feel loved and supported - including our dearest friends!
What is the moral responsibility of friends when one individual is facing significant emotional or mental health struggles?
One's social circle can play an important role in helping someone cope with mental illness. It may be necessary for friends to take on some responsibilities if their friend shows signs of severe depression, anxiety, addiction, or other issues that impair daily life functioning. They should be willing to listen, share feelings, express empathy, and encourage treatment seeking as needed.