be the lıght ın someone’s darkness.
It can be difficult knowing whether or not your peer is struggling with their mental health. It is crucial to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy. Whether they are struggling from a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression, if they’re having trouble at home or in their relationships; it can be hard to know how to help.
Look Out for Signs
The first step to helping a friend is recognising the signs that they may be struggling. Although we can not always evidently see the internal battles people fight, a few signs your friend is struggling may be:
- Withdrawal from activities
- Sudden mood changes
- Changes in behaviour (skipping school, acting out, avoiding social events etc.)
- Talking about feeling hopeless
- Physical signs of stress (trouble sleeping, lack of eating etc.)
If you notice these signs in your friend, it is important to approach them with understanding.
Be Supportive and Listen
Sometimes, all we need is a shoulder to cry on and someone who will listen without judgement. Let them know that you are ready to listen to what they’re going through and make it be known that you will be there for them during troubling times. Offer them comfort instead of solutions. When we see someone we care about struggling, our first instinct is to fix things; however sometimes it’s just best to just listen and provide them with comfort. Avoid using phrases such as “You’ll get over it”, instead, reassure them that it’s okay for them to feel that way and that you’ll always be there for them.
Encourage Professional Help
There are some problems that simply can not be solved by a teenager and in those situations, the best option is to suggest your friend talk to someone. This is especially necessary in situations such as self-harm, eating disorders, suicidal thoughts etc. Keep in mind that it is always safer to take these precautions than to try and fix everything yourself, there is only so much you can take on and it is not your responsibility to cure your friend, that is the job of a professional. All you can do is provide them with support throughout their journey.
Respect Their Space
Even though it is important to be there for your friend, this might not always be what they want. Sometimes people need time alone and it is important that you respect that. You always need to be mindful of boundaries and give them space if they ask for it. In this situation all you can do is let them know that you will be there for them when they are ready to talk. make sure not to put pressure on them to share their struggles with you, everyone is entitled to their own personal space.
The Teenage Mind 