For example, you might say something like, “John, I’ve noticed that you stopped coming to game nights and that you are spending most of your time alone. I’m worried about you. ” Some examples of concerning behavior may include withdrawing, acting sad, self-harming, using drugs, gambling, or having unsafe sex.
Try saying something like, “I’m here for you if you ever want to talk,” or, “Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help. ”
For example, you might say something like, “It sounds like you’re saying that you haven’t felt happy in a while. Is that right?”
For example, if your friend shares with you that they have been feeling depressed since the death of a family pet, imagine how you might feel if your pet died.
For example, if your friend shares with you that they are having trouble with schoolwork and worried about failing, you might say something like, “I struggled a lot with math last year and I thought I was going to fail. I had to get tutoring after school a few days per week for a while. ” Or, if a friend shares with you that they’re feeling depressed and don’t know what to do about it, you might say, “I felt really lost, too, when I went through a depressive episode a couple of years ago. I don’t know if it would help you, but therapy really helped me. ”
For example, if your friend asks what they should do about a conflict with another friend, you might say something like, “I don’t know if this will help you, but I usually find it’s best to talk to someone when I’m having an issue with them. ”
For example, if a friend shares with you about the difficult time they have been having with a coworker or classmate, you could say something like, “It sounds like you have been getting bullied by this person. I’m so sorry you have had to go through that. ” Or, if your friend shares with you about the sadness they have been feeling since their parents’ divorce, you might say something like, “You’ve had such a difficult year. I’m sorry you’ve been feeling so sad. ”
For example, you might call or text your friend, “Hey Angie! Thinking about you! How’s your week going so far?”
For example, you could ask your friend to go bowling with you and some other friends on the weekend, make plans to check out a new restaurant or café together, or invite them over for a movie night at your place.
Try saying something like, “Remember when you took that baking class and made all those beautiful cakes? You’re so talented! Maybe getting back into baking would help you feel better. ” Or, you could say, “You were always so active with student government in high school. Do you think you might like to do that in college as well?”
Try saying something like, “I’m worried about my friend. She is being bullied and I think it’s getting worse. Can you please help?” Or, for an adult friend, you could say something like, “Clarissa has been drinking more than seems healthy and I’m worried about her. Have you noticed this, too?”
If your friend is in grade school or college, have them start by talking with the school counselor. You could even go with them if they are reluctant.
For example, you could look up doctor profiles online with your friend and even make the phone call to set up an appointment if they’re nervous. You could even offer to go to the appointment with your friend if they are worried or frightened.
