Friends are important to everyone; that is why when they are having physical or mental health problems, you want to be able to do something to help them. Sometimes, however, it isn’t very easy to decide how to help them. They may want to be left alone, or they might want you to be around and don’t know how to ask you to be. Here are a few ways that you can help your friend when they are in need:
Listen to them
Being there to listen to your friends can be a big help. They can rant to you if they are upset and discuss exactly what is going on in there mind without feeling judged. Having the ability to verbalize issues can help to get them out in the open, and even if it doesn’t help the problems, it can be a relief to get stuff off their chest.
Don’t forget to always take how they are feeling seriously, and reassure them that you are still there to talk whenever they need you.
Get them outside
If your friend is physically able to or they are struggling with their mental health, it might be a good idea to try and get them to go outside with you. You could take them out to the cinema as a distraction, or take them out on a walk to the park. There are many benefits to being outside in nature, even if it only for a little bit.
If it isn’t possible to go far, you could see if you could take them to sit in the garden. There can be benefits from getting some natural light and fresh air, and it could boost their mood to have a change of scenery if they are stuck in the house all the time.
Random acts of kindness
When you aren’t feeling 100%, it is nice to know that someone is there for you. You show that you are there for them by doing things that will help them without taking away their feeling of independence. Maybe you could pop round with a meal for the both of you so that they can take the evening off from having to cook. Complete something off their to-do-list, or even buy them a lovely gift or treat that you know they will love. It doesn’t even have to be expensive; it could just be their favorite chocolate bar. Little things like this will let the person know that you are there for them.
Help them seek professional help
If they ask for help, or you think it is for the best, you can help your friend to find some professional services that will help to support them with whatever it is they are going through. If they are struggling with substance abuse, then you may want to find them a good opiate addiction rehab. If they are struggling physically, you could support them by helping them make a doctor’s appointment and take them there. Whatever the problem, helping them to find a service that can support their needs will be a big help.
