Have you ever thought about your support system and who you would call in a crisis?
Around 25% of people in the United States feel like they don’t have anyone to confide in. Between once-in-a-lifetime events and illnesses, people isolate themselves, thinking there isn’t any help. Seeing signs that someone you care about is depressed should be a red flag to take action.
If you don’t want to leave your friend in crisis, take a look at some of the suggestions below.
Acknowledge Their Pain
If you have a friend in crisis, the best place to start is by talking to them with sincerity.
Many people hear about emotional breakdowns from other people, not directly from people living with them. Talk to your friend about their mental health, if they feel comfortable, without judgment. Listening to and acknowledging their emotions can help justify emotions and make them feel less alone.
Try to Lift Their Spirits
Sometimes the smallest gestures go the longest way.
A friend in need won’t want a lecture on how to handle a problem, and they also don’t want to feel judged. Sitting with your friend and watching their shows, discussing books, or giving small gifts can help them find meaning again.
If you want to help your friend feel noticed, you can shop for you matter shirt styles they can find comfort in. Although a shirt design is a simple gift, it can hold a lot of significance when given under the right circumstances. Throwing gifts at someone to make them happy, however, isn’t a long-term solution.
Remain Calm & Patient
Can you think of a time when you tried to reach out to someone for help, only to feel rushed and overlooked?
Most people walk away feeling misunderstood, or even angry when their voice isn’t heard. They might not say it at the moment, but it can fester in their mind and contribute to feelings of isolation. If you can stay calm and patient, you offer them a chance to remove bad feelings and tackle their demons.
Seek Help
Sometimes, people lose themselves so much that they become a danger to themselves or others.
If your friend is expressing these thoughts or confessing to harmful behaviors, you shouldn’t keep them to yourself. Counseling, substance abuse programs, and mental health facilities have the best resources. Even if you can’t get your friend to visit a counselor, you can still find resources and guidance to navigate the problem.
Is This Your Chance to Help a Friend in Crisis?
You can’t force someone to get over their history or move on from mental health issues.
If you have a friend in crisis, it can be difficult to watch them suffer, but there are still ways to offer support. Showering a friend in gifts won’t take care of an emotional breakdown, but if you use the present as a gift, negative thoughts won’t be as powerful. Check out our blog if you want more resources for improving relationships and your
