We depend on our friends for a variety of things, and one of those things is unquestionably provide emotional support when times are tough. Teenagers dealing with mental health issues would naturally turn to their peers to vent, unload, and ask for support.
But it might be challenging to distinguish between a friend’s moodiness and other symptoms of depression or anxiety. It might be challenging to determine whether to simply listen, when to speak, and what to say. Determining when to bring it up with an adult and how to do so without betraying your friend’s trust are particularly difficult decisions.
Negative feelings, when they persist a long time or are overwhelming, are nothing to be dismissed because depression and bipolar illness afflict roughly 15% of teenagers, and one in three teenagers will satisfy the criteria for an anxiety condition by the time they are 18.
How to be a good friend to someone who is struggling
Support her assertions. People want to feel understood, particularly when they are dealing with challenging feelings or situations that could make them feel incredibly alone. You are under no need to pretend to feel the same as your friend. Saying, “That sounds challenging,” …