There are times when a loved one needs help getting over a problem. Here are some tips that might be helpful when you're not sure what to do.
Steps
Step 1. Try to be available, whether in person or through a technological medium
The goal is to be in the right place at the right time. Sure, being physically next to your friend would be ideal, but you might as well talk to each other on the phone. He might be calling you, so don't miss that phone call.
Step 2. Listen to it
He's probably trying to tell you something. In his words or actions, it is possible to catch a signal to understand what is troubling him. If you are too busy with jokes and laughter or absorbed in yourself, you will miss it. So, keep calm and pay attention.
Step 3. Don't judge
People do not open up to those who do nothing but use offensive or superficial words. Take everything he tells you seriously. Because? Because he's explaining to you how he feels. How could you ever say for sure that someone's feelings are false?
Step 4. Keep in touch daily, but don't bother her
Overdoing the phone calls can annoy her and push her away. She may not feel like talking, but at least she'll know you care. As low as he may be, he will still feel important when he receives a call.
Step 5. Once you have convinced your friend to talk and understand what is causing him to worry or suffer, gently propose ideas for solving his problems
Show delicacy: don't tell him what to do and don't be too strong or authoritarian. You are his friend, not his boss.
Step 6. If he opposes your ideas, stop offering them
He may be open to considering them later, or he may never do so. He may prefer to resolve the situation himself. Maybe you are the stronger one of the two and you will guide him in solving the problem, or maybe you are the moral support and let your friend orient himself to recover from this difficult time. Everyone plays a different role. Try to understand what he wants from you.
Step 7. Remember that your problem solving process will probably not be immediate
Be patient. You have to be very understanding of him for several days in a row. Chances are your friend has done the same for you in the past. It is right to support each other in a relationship of friendship.
Advice
Nobody likes know-it-alls, and then nobody has a solution for everything
Warnings
- If your friend seems to be holding a grudge against you because you sought professional help to resolve his situation (even though he made you promise not to tell anyone), don't be offended. Over time he will realize that you only did it because you love him.
- If your friend has an eating disorder, suicidal tendencies, physical, emotional or verbal abuse, chronic depression or more than one problem, seek professional help immediately.
