Supporting a Friend Through a Difficult Situation

Life comes with its ups and downs. Sometimes, when we’re at our lowest, the support of a friend can make a critical difference. If you know someone who’s in a tricky position, then you might not know exactly what form your support should take. Let’s take a look at how you might intervene in the right way.

How to Listen Without Judging

Often, you can do a lot of good by simply chatting with your friend. It might be that they have a great deal to say. But getting them to unburden themselves might involve setting your judgments to one side.

There might be a time and a place to call attention to a failure on the part of your friend, or some other person. But an absence of judgment might be necessary to get your friend to open up in the first place.

Respecting Your Friend’s Boundaries

Applying pressure, and turning up unannounced at your friend’s house, can be counterproductive. The same goes for pestering them constantly via text message or WhatsApp. The chances are good that your friend will need time and space to process whatever they’re going through. Make sure that you provide it.

Encouraging Professional Help

Some problems are so big that professional help might be warranted. It’s worth recognising your own limitations, and recommending that the help of a professional be sought. A counsellor or psychiatrist might be able to intervene in a more effective, targeted way than you can.

Recognising Signs of Abuse or Trauma

In some situations, abuse might be a factor in what your friend is going through. But it isn’t always easy to tell when this is the case. If you’ve noticed a change in your friend’s behaviour, or if they appear exhausted, terrified, or physically bruised, then it might be time to reach out.

Make sure that you are receptive to any attempt to reach out, and that you know which agencies and bodies to call upon. Sometimes, this might mean calling the police.

Understanding Legal Options

In some cases, you can do a considerable amount of good by simply pointing your friend in the direction of a competent lawyer. Abuse claims can be sensitively handled by an experienced solicitor. Often, this can provide victims with the financial security they need to distance themselves from an abusive environment.

Taking Care of Yourself While Supporting Others

Often, lending emotional support to a friend in need can be exhausting. If you’re being called upon regularly, or the situation is weighing heavily on your mind, it’s worth taking a step back and reclaiming some space for yourself. Often, this step will give you the peace of mind you need to help your friend in a sustainable way.