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Ask Choices: Your Burning Questions Answered
How Can I Help A Friend?
Dear Choices,
My friend is going through a hard time. I want to help them, but I don’t want to say the wrong thing. How can I be a supportive pal?
Signed, Worried in Wisconsin
Dear Worried,
It can be hard to know what to say when someone you care about is suffering, but that doesn’t mean you should say nothing. Letting a buddy know you’re there for them can make a huge difference. Try one of the following tips for supporting a friend.
Love, Choices
1. Say What You See.
Explain why you’re worried and tell them that you want to help. You could say “You seem down lately. Is something bothering you?”
2. Listen.
Just listening closely without interrupting can be a big help. You could say “That sounds really hard.”
3. Offer Support.
Your friend might want a sympathetic ear, or they might need something else. You could say “I want to help. Is there anything I can do?”
Help is available for teens in crisis. Text HOME to 741741, or call the National Youth Crisis Hotline at (800) 442-HOPE [4673]