Have you got a friend that’s feeling down? Are you looking for ways to support them?
Whether they are going through a breakup, grieving the loss of a loved one, or struggling at work, the following guide will give you some ideas of how you can be there for them.
Ask them how they’d like to be supported
Everyone receives love and likes to be supported in different ways depending on their personality. The way that you like to be comforted when you’re down might be completely different to your friend, so it is important that you have a good understanding of the type of support they need. The easiest way to find this out is to sensitively ask them what type of support they would like from you. They may want your advice, or they might be looking for you to distract them from their problems, or they could simply be looking for someone to vent to without needing much of a response in return. Understanding this will allow you to be there for them in the most helpful way possible.
Let them know you’re there
The most important part of supporting someone is letting them know you’re there for them. When going through a tough time it can be easy to feel as though you are becoming a burden to those close to you which may mean your friend stops talking about their problem.
Equally, they may be someone who doesn’t benefit from talking about things but prefers to process their issues alone. Regardless of this, it is comforting to know that someone is there for them if and when they want it.
Send them a text every so often to remind them that you’re thinking of them and that you are happy to chat if they’d like to.
Put together a care package
A care package is a lovely, active way to show someone that you are thinking of them. This can be completely personalised and should include lots of their favourite bits. For example, a face or hair mask to use during a pamper night, a box of their favourite camomile tea, and a bar of their favourite chocolate.
If you live close to them and they are up to seeing you then it could be nice to hand deliver it. If not, organise for it to be delivered to them.
Plan a day out of the house
If your friend is going through a hard time, they may begin to isolate themselves and avoid leaving the house. While this might be what they need for a certain period, staying in for too long is likely to become damaging.
Therefore, it can be helpful to plan a day or even just a couple of hours for them outside of their house. Tailor this to what you think they can manage and will enjoy and speak to them about what they feel comfortable with. You could go for a long countryside walk or meet up for a coffee in a local café.
