Have a Friend Who’s Struggling? Here’s How to Help
How to Offer Support to Peers Without Overstepping
By Gabi Drobot, Staff Writer
Every individual has mental health in the same way that they have physical health, however, maintaining a positive mental state is a difficult process for many.
If it seems as if a friend may be struggling with their mental health, it can be challenging to understand how to approach the situation without making them uncomfortable. Understanding the nature of one’s relationship is crucial to gauge what the other party may be comfortable with.
“I always check in with my friends to make sure everything is okay,” said Zev Pilshaw, a senior. “If I notice they are a little standoff-ish, I start to pay closer attention, since it usually means something is wrong.”
Isolation can be a prevalent indicator that someone is struggling with their mental health. Reiterating that one is there if needed is a great way to open the floor for open communication.
If they still have a hard time opening about what is going on, another great way to help provide support is helping with everyday tasks. When mental health is declining, simple tasks can seem daunting and challenging for the individual to accomplish.
“I always start off by offering help with little things, like grocery shopping or doing laundry,” said Anna Rispo, a junior. “I find when they have that company during simpler tasks, it becomes easier for them to open up and share what is truly bothering them. At that point, I just make sure I validate their feelings and listen.”
Even if you cannot completely understand or relate to their feelings, providing an ear to hear their worries can be just as impactful. Simple statements like, “that sounds really difficult,” can be all the validation they may need.
“My roommate really struggles with her mental health, and it leads to anxiety attacks occasionally,” said an anonymous. “Although I do not have personal experience with anxiety attacks, she always thanks me for just providing comfort and listening to her thoughts.”
Support looks different for everyone. Usually, how an individual wants to be helped is within their actions and words. Therefore, active listening can be the key to providing the correct support.
