What to do when a friend is going through a rough patch


Friends are great, and we can count on many to be for us whenever we need. So what about when they are the ones that could do with a pick-me-up? Here’s what to do when a friend is going through a rough patch, and you want to help them out the other side.

Listen to them

Sometimes, the best thing many of us need in a time of need is someone to listen. That’s all. We don’t always have to try and coach our friends through a difficult time in their life, and being their shoulder to cry on could help to show how you will remain there for your friend – even when they are at a low point in their life.

Ask some questions

It might be easy to think up several ways to overcome an issue when you aren’t the one involved, but this probably isn’t what your friend needs to hear at the moment. Instead, asking questions about how you can help them and how they want to move forward from the rough patch might see them come to an answer all on their own.

Invite them places

Not everyone likes the thought of going out. However, an invite over to your house, to the movies, or even to dinner can be a welcome distraction from whatever else is going on in your friend’s life. Be prepared that they may say “no” if they want some time on their own, but they should recognize how you’re willing to be there for them whenever they are ready to be social again.

Don’t discuss your issues

The chances are that your friend feels as though things can’t get much worse. Some of us believe that sharing our own problems prove that things could be worse. Unfortunately, the chances are you could end up pushing your friend away or putting them under additional pressure to help you through your own issues. Hopefully, there is someone else you can talk to about your worries.

Be patient

We might think that a few months is enough time to move past whatever situation your friend is dealing with, but this might not be the case in their mind. Everyone heals at different rates. It’s important to give your friend all the time they need to come to terms with their rough patch and learn how to be the support system they need instead.

Continue the support

Your friend might seem to bounce back from the rough patch and life could once again go back to normal. However, that doesn’t mean they are done healing, or something won’t happen again. One of the most important parts of the support is to continue to check how they are feeling periodically over the next few months to ensure everything really is sorted.
Some of us love to be there for our friends, and it can be important to know what to do when a friend is going through a rough patch to ensure we help them out the other side in one piece.
 

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