How To Help Friends During A Troubled Time

They say that the friends are the family that we choose, and it’s so true. If you’re lucky enough to find a friend who loves you unconditionally and is willing to do anything for you, then you should cherish that friend. 


Of course, friendships aren’t always smooth sailing – there are always going to be times where life takes somewhat of a downward turn. When a close friend is going through a difficult time, naturally you want to be there to help and support them. I know there have been times I feel helpless when a friend faces sorrow and I can’t change a thing. I just have to be there, even if it’s on the phone.

 

 

 

Wondering how you can help a friend who is struggling with a difficult time right now? Below are a few tips and ideas on being a friend. 

 

Be there to support them

 

Whatever the struggle they are currently facing, it’s important to be there to support your friend. Whether it’s a relationship breakdown, a financial disaster or a health issue, your friend needs you right now. Being there for them means showing your friend that you’re there to support them and are on hand to help them with whatever they need. Supporting them doesn’t necessarily have to mean being there in-person, it simply means being there to listen, console, and care – this could be over the phone or even via messaging. Tiny Buddha has a wonderful post, 25 Ways to be a True Friend.  As the post says, “Don’t wait for others to be friendly, Show them how.”

 

 

Photo TinyBuddha.com

 

 

 

Ask them how you can help them

 

 

If you want to help a friend but don’t know how to go about doing so, simply ask them what you can do to make things easier for them. Even if there isn’t anything that you can do directly, the chances are that your friend will appreciate you asking them how you can help. 

 

 

 

 

Get them the help that they need

 

When you are aware that a friend needs help, either to support them with a mental health issue, a financial struggle or some kind of health issue, like addiction, it can be difficult knowing whether you should get them help or whether doing so means crossing a line. For instance, say they’re struggling with addiction, you may source an alternative to drug rehab for them to try, however they may not be happy that you’ve chosen to do this. What you need to ask yourself is are they able to help themselves – if the answer is no, then you need to cross the line and do what’s best for them, even if they don’t appreciate it right now. 

 

 

Keep them motivated 

 

Dealing with an issue is never easy, regardless of what it is, it’s important that you remain on hand to ensure that your friend remains motivated. It’s not easy overcoming certain problems, but with your support on hand, your friend should be able to make changes and move their life forward. The more help, support and guidance you can give them, the better. 

 

Helping a friend out isn’t always easy, but if you care about them it’s important to take the time to help them cope with whatever is going on in their life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a collaborative post, but all opinions are my own.

 

 

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Carol

I was raised in Tennessee but have lived in Florida for many years. Love my small home in the Tampa Bay area and its developing garden. My decorating style is eclectic - some vintage, some cottage, all with a modern flair. Pursuing a healthier lifestyle. Spent many years in social services but am happily retired.

4 thoughts to “How To Help Friends During A Troubled Time”

  1. Great post!! When my nephew was ill and then passed away, we frequently would just stop in with food for my niece and 3 great nieces. Even if it was just bagels or muffins that they like but it helped to brighten their day. Our visits also provided a bit of a distraction with what they were and continue to go through. I also call or message them at least once a week now just to say Hello and ask if they need anything…..Thanks so much for stopping by!!
    Stay safe, healthy and happy!!
    Hugs,
    Debbie

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