When a friend is going through a hard time, you may be the first person they tell. Being there matters. But you are a friend, not a counsellor, and you are not responsible for fixing everything.
How to support
- Listen without interrupting or judging.
- Say, "Thank you for telling me. I am here for you."
- Ask what would help instead of assuming.
- Check in again later. Small follow-ups mean a lot.
What to avoid
- Promising to keep everything secret when someone may be unsafe
- Telling them to "just cheer up" or "be strong"
- Sharing their story with other people
- Trying to handle a serious situation alone
When to involve a trusted adult
If a friend talks about hurting themselves or someone else, is being harmed, or you feel the situation is too big, tell a trusted adult straight away, such as a parent, teacher or school counsellor. Doing so is an act of care, not betrayal. In an emergency, call 112.
Look after yourself too
Supporting others can be tiring. Set kind boundaries, keep up your own routines and talk to someone about how you are feeling. You cannot pour from an empty cup.