How to Help a Friend in Distress | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

How to Help a Friend in Distress

Go to Bat For Them; They Deserve It

35
How to Help a Friend in Distress
The Story Pedia

It has all happened to us; we had a bad day at school or work, or we are simply aren't feeling like ourselves. Feeling distress or sadness can really bring someone down. One can feel like they are off the tracks and go to the support of a dear friend. But, now the roles have reversed. You are now the listening ear, that shoulder to lean on, and that true friend to someone that needs you the most.

Watching a friend get worse and more sad is probably one of the hardest things. No one wants to see someone you love hurting. What makes supporting them hard is that sometimes there is a fine line of what you can and can't say, or maybe when one should just keep their distance. I know sometimes I struggle saying something because it's not what they want to hear, or maybe they are tired of talking about it and what to deal with it on their own. The last thing you want to do is overwhelm the individual.

Here are some tips to help you be the best supporter of your friend in distress:

1.) Be a listening ear: Sometimes, your friend simply has to vent. Without words exchanged, and simply knowing that someone is listening can really help during hard times. Listen to their concerns, why they are hurting, and then act. Don't jump to conclusions without them letting it all out.

2.) Respect their feelings: Even though you may disagree or feel no sympathy as to why they are feeling a certain way you must still act with kindness. Hear and understand where they are coming from. Show them that they can trust you with your friendship, words, and thoughts. This is probably the most crucial tip because it is important to not shut them down.

3.) Take action: This is where you get down and dirty with your friend and show them that you will go to bat for them anytime of the day. Think about tangible goals and how you can help them fix their problem. Be a fixer and a do-er. Try not to sit back, listen to your friend cry help, and expect them to do it all on their own.

4.) Show the Light at the End of the Tunnel: With tangible goals, an end in sight, and a good friend, show them and remind them how good they are. Recall on the times that they were there for you, or perhaps share a similar experience that you had simialr to theirs. Let them know that they aren't alone and that they are strong and can do anything.

It' no fun when your loved ones and friends are going through a rough time. Their world can turn upside down in an instant. Remember all those times they were there for you? Try to do the same for them. Show them love, kindness, listen, take action, and remind them of their strengths.

I pray everyone is happy and healthy.

You are great!

Your friend,

Alexa Rosina.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

182530
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

9296
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

453931
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24159
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments