It is not pleasant for anyone to see sadness in the eyes of others, but if it is a friend, you cannot sit and do nothing. Perhaps he has had a fight with his partner, has not received a job promotion that he so desired, has lost a loved one, has been diagnosed with a terminal illness or is going through an experience so painful that it leads him to become demoralized. However, he is lucky to have a friend like you who can help him get through the toughest times. Here are some tips on how to encourage an unhappy friend.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Listen to him
Step 1. Ask him if everything is okay
Invite him to speak. You might say to him, "I see you've been really down lately. Is something wrong?" He might even want to confide in him, but he's waiting for an invitation from you. Listen to his answer. Stay silent and don't interrupt it. Don't offer him advice, unless he asks for it.
If he doesn't want to talk, respect his choice. He is probably too sick at the moment and may feel even worse confiding in him. Maybe he just needs to rework the situation and what he is feeling for a while. So, give him all the time he needs, letting him know that you are ready to listen to him when he feels like talking
Step 2. Support him emotionally
Remind him how great he is and how much he matters to you. Recognize how much she feels when she expresses her pain. Try saying, "I know how bad it can hurt you. I'm sorry you're going through this." Keep being kind and encouraging him, always being a faithful friend. This is not the time to abandon it or avoid it.
- Don't go around telling other people about your problem.
- If he asks you for advice, offer it to him.
- If you don't know what to say, tell them to talk to someone else who can help, such as a friend, family member, or reputable professional.
Step 3. Try to understand what he is going through
If you can't understand his point of view, just listen carefully. You can offer your support without encouraging them to take a path you disagree with. Don't condemn him and don't add more salt to his wounds. For example, if he's upset about having a fight with his partner, don't tell him, "I always told you you should never have married him."
- If you can't find comforting words, just try to tell him that you will continue to be around him, regardless of everything.
- Don't trivialize what he's feeling.
- A hug and a handshake are more eloquent than many words.
Step 4. Be patient
He may be grumpy, dismiss you with a few words, or even respond badly. Don't make it personal. Ignore this attitude of his and realize that he is not completely in himself. He is under enormous stress and you know he has had better and happier days.
Part 2 of 3: Remind him to smile
Step 1. Make him laugh
Behave in a ridiculous way. Put on some music and dance like two bears. You see a comic movie. Tell him some jokes. Remind him of the funniest moments you've ever had together.
Step 2. Offer to go out with him to keep him entertained
Offer to go shopping together - it can be fun. Invite him out for lunch to talk or be among the people. Consider his character and interests. Ask yourself, "What could I do to encourage and distract him? What would he like to do?"
He may initially decline your invitation. If this is the case, make sure he doesn't feel compelled to go anywhere. Encourage him by telling him that he doesn't have to be alone in such a difficult time and that it would be better if he surrounded himself with other people
Step 3. Buy him a gift or write him a card
It doesn't have to be anything important, but a candy box, scented lotion, or her favorite flowers is enough. Even a note mentioning your problem will do. Whatever your choice, you will show him how much you appreciate him and that you do not abandon him in time of need. Doing so will also help him distract himself from his problems, albeit only temporarily.
- Your gestures will prove to him that there are caring people in the world who care when his morale is low and who want to help him.
- When he's lonely and sad, he'll remember what you did for him.
Part 3 of 3: Being a Friend You Can Count On
Step 1. Offer to help him with some business
Ask him if there is anything you can do for him. Offer to look after his children while he spends some time alone trying to solve his problems. Resolve to go shopping and / or cook for her. Offer to clean the house. If he has a sick parent, ask him if you can take him to the doctor.
Step 2. Assure him your presence next to him
He'll probably need some alone time right now. Respect his wish, but tell him he can call you when he needs you, at any time. If he accepts your offer and calls you at two in the morning, don't hesitate to answer the phone and listen to him. If he needs to see you at three in the morning, get out of bed and go to him.
Don't forget to call him to say hello and ask him what he is doing and how he feels
Step 3. Talk to friends you have in common
Shared friendships can offer additional support and increase attempts at encouragement. However, do not reveal any confidences he has made to you. Ask them first if you can tell other people that they are having a hard time and be sure what you can say.
Step 4. Suggest professional help
If your friend does not recover emotionally, if his unhappiness prevents him from living peacefully, or if you realize that you are having a hard time cheering him up, his problem could be more serious than just being discouraged by a difficult situation: it could be. be about depression. Be honest and tell him that you are worried about him. Suggest that he share his problems with someone. Offer to help him find a psychologist or psychotherapist and bring him to the appointment if necessary.
- If you suspect that she may be committing suicide, seek help right away. Contact "Telefono Amico" at 199.284.284.
- If you suddenly feel sick, call 911.
