How to Support a Friend Struggling With Their Mental Health

It can be heartbreaking to watch a friend struggle. You want to help, but you don’t want to overstep or say the wrong thing. The truth is, you don’t need to have all the answers—just being there matters.

A client once told me about her best friend, who would drive over to her house and just sit on the couch with her when she couldn’t get out of bed. No long conversations. No forced cheerfulness. Just quiet presence. That friend never tried to "fix" her, and it made all the difference.

Here are a few ways to support someone you care about:

1. Listen without trying to fix.
Sometimes people just want to be heard. Ask, "Do you want advice or just someone to sit with you?" Active listening is powerful, especially when someone feels isolated.

2. Validate their feelings.
Saying things like "That sounds really hard" or "I can’t imagine how heavy that feels" shows empathy without minimizing their experience. Avoid quick fixes like "At least it's not worse" or "Just think positive."

3. Check in consistently.
A simple "Thinking of you" or "Want to talk later?" text can go a long way. Don’t assume silence means they’re okay—they might be overwhelmed or unsure how to reach out.

4. Offer specific help.
"Let me know if you need anything" can feel vague. Instead, try "I’m going to the store—can I grab you anything?" or "Would you want to join me for a walk this weekend?"

5. Respect boundaries.
Support doesn’t mean forcing them to talk. Let them lead the pace. Let them know you're available without pressuring them.

6. Know when to encourage professional help.
If your friend is experiencing serious symptoms like suicidal thoughts, panic attacks, or severe depression, gently suggest therapy or other professional support. You can say, "Have you considered talking to someone who’s trained to help? I can help you look for someone if you'd like."

Most of all, remind them they’re not a burden. Your consistent presence—without judgment or demands—can be a lifeline. Even small gestures carry huge meaning when someone is struggling.