How can I help a friend who is not well?

Guidelines for supporting a friend who has mental health problems

Henka Team

Do you know what a mental health problem is? These are problems, situations, or conditions that can affect our way of thinking . These factors influence our feelings , our mood , and how we behave and interact with others. They can negatively impact our emotional well-being and quality of life, making it harder for us to cope with daily ups and downs and stressful situations.

Do you know what emotional well-being is?

Anyone of any age can be affected by mental health problems or emotional distress at some point. If you suspect a friend is going through a difficult time, would you know how to help them ?

Warning signs

Although it may seem obvious, we don't always realize when someone close to us needs help. Instead of asking them directly, it's a good idea to start by observing their behavior to see if it suggests they're not okay. Some of these signs might include:

He has frequent mood swings .
His grades and class attendance have dropped drastically.
He is more irritable , everything bothers him and he gets angrier than usual.
He fights with classmates or defies teachers.
He wants to spend a lot of time alone .
He is sadder , more often than before.

I'm not feeling well. What can I do?

He is very worried , feels anxious, and finds it difficult to relax.
He makes derogatory comments about her body.
She has started dieting and doesn't want to eat certain foods because she wants to lose weight.
He has started exercising intensely.
He has started using drugs or alcohol .
He's always sleepy and doesn't want to meet up with his friends because he prefers to be on the computer or with his mobile phone.
She wears clothes that are not appropriate for the temperature , such as sweatshirts when it is hot.
He has injuries on his body that he cannot explain, such as cuts, burns, grazes, or bruises, and he uses bandages.
Discuss ideas or watch content about self -harm .

How to act

If you've noticed any of these signs, your friend might need help. The best thing to do is talk to them directly to find out how they're doing , but without judging them or making them feel uncomfortable. To do this, it's important to find the right time and a quiet, private space where you can feel comfortable .

He might tell you that nothing's wrong and that it's all in your head. Perhaps he's not yet aware that he has a problem and needs time, he's not ready to explain it, or he doesn't think what's happening to him is important.

Is it a good idea to give him advice?

Instead of giving advice, perhaps the most helpful thing is to offer your support , since feeling supported by those around us is what we need most when we have a problem. You can say, "What you're going through seems difficult. You can count on me." You can also offer to accompany him in whatever steps he needs and wants. It's important not to forget him or let him isolate himself , but rather to invite him to do activities you know he enjoys and spend time with him.

Can I explain it to a classmate?

It is best if your friend, who is the person affected, decides whether they are prepared to explain the situation to their colleagues and how they want to do it.

If I ask for help, am I betraying my friend?

A boy or girl with a mental health problem is more likely to talk about it with a friend than with their parents or teachers. As a friend, you can support them and make them feel like you're part of their safe circle. It's also good to respect their boundaries and share as much as they want to, but this doesn't mean you should make a pact of silence to keep their secret. Without the help of the professionals they need, it will be difficult for them to feel better and regain their well-being .

"It's positive that you respect and share as much as he or she wants to explain, but this doesn't mean you should make pacts of silence, since, without the help of the necessary professionals, it will be difficult for him or her to recover their well-being."

Keep in mind that if your friend has shared their problem with you, it means they trust you. You can use this trust to encourage them to explain it to their parents themselves. It's generally easier to start by talking to a school counselor, tutor, educational psychologist, or emotional well-being specialist at your school, who can then help them explain it to their family.

The ingredients to foster your resilience

Sometimes, when someone close to us experiences a mental health issue, it can affect us as well. If knowing about your friend's condition makes you feel insecure, distressed, or unsure of how to act, you should know that, even if you want to help, it's not all in your hands; you can't take on more responsibility than is appropriate for your age. If you find the situation overwhelming, it can help to talk to people you trust without revealing anything unwanted about the other person and to ask for help .