Sometimes your friends are going through things that are really heavy, and they may not tell you. I am a person who tends to bottle all of my emotions inside of me. I know first hand how that can destroy you. It is so important to check in on your friends and make sure they are okay from time to time.
Most people are so caught up in their own personal struggles and responsibilities that even the thought of asking somebody else how they are doing does not cross their mind. A lot of people aren't very good at looking past their own world. This is okay, but we need to start paying more attention to our friends.
I'm sure we all know that the two words "I'm fine" usually have more meaning behind them. We have all put on a fake smile from time to time, and that's okay. What's not okay is that our friends suffer in silence. When I was a sophomore in high school, I was going through a lot of really heavy stuff. I had friends who supported me, there is no doubt about that. I didn't tell anyone what I was going through. Instead, I tried to take my own life. I had posted things on various social media accounts that were signs of distress, and for some reason, no one asked if I was okay. No one knew the demons I was facing. I survived, but not everyone is as lucky as I am.
Not everyone will tell you that they are not okay. It is so important that we are not only supportive of our friends but that we pay attention to them as well. We often get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget that other people are suffering too. Pay attention if your friend seems to be a little quieter one day. Ask them if they are okay. Pay attention if something your friend posts on Twitter is a little more negative than usual. Ask them if they are okay. It can only help your friend to check in on them.
If a friend does reach out to you, take them seriously. Never make a joke out of what anyone is going through. Whether it be something as serious as a mental disorder, or a break up, or a fight with their parents, your friends are coming to you for a reason. 67 percent of college students tell a friend they are feeling suicidal before telling anyone else. Listen to your friends. I think it is so important to check in on your friends, no matter what they are going through, and if they don't come to you, go to them.
Remember, you never know what someone is going through. The person next to you could be drowning in sadness but still look at you with the biggest smile. Check in on your friends. Make sure they are okay. Always help someone, you might be the only person who does.
