how to support a friend going through a hard time

Therapist's advice here on how we can best support others in challenging or difficult times, and the mistake nearly everyone makes.

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[Lotus]

Everyone, at some point, is walking through life broken & disoriented. This is such great advice. This type of holding space from friends and loved ones will go a long way in supporting hope & healing. I desire for more people to see this. I’m glad I did. Thank you.

[TinaSotis]

I wish a LOT more people would listen to this. There's nothing more painful than expressing grief, sadness, or self doubt and have them throw flowers at me. Not many people are comfortable with others' expressions of pain.

[FoxinaDaPinkFox]

Thank you. I've got a friend who I know primarily online, but we've been talking for over 2 years now and we've gotten comfortable with each other. He almost never opens up but he did today and I didn't know what to say. I did the "Problem solving" reaction and instantly regreted it, but thought it was better than pure silence. Next time he talks to me, I'm going to try this, and I hope it helps to save him from this dark and suicidal path he's been on.

[RosentwigMusic]

This is excellent advice. In situations like this, I frequently find myself problem solving, even when it is uncalled for or not actually helpful.

[GREENBUDDHAA]

This is helping me be a better friend for everyone around me. I want them to feel safe, I used to make that mistake as a way to help. Now I know it’s not.

[shbakerdesigns]

This was a good video. I almost didn't watch it because I didn't want "that advice" again. But I trusted Jude and brought it again...
This video expresses what I wish more people understood. Just jumping you "you're fine" or "you're great" so minimizes whatever is real in the moment and magnifies the difficulty... Thank you.

[childperson]

thank you! i appreciate this alot. its helpful for those who arent great with ppl in distress

[fransinclair]

People talk on a superficial level for example a guy on Married at first sight said he hated himself and everyone was uncomfortable and said we thing u are great and this this and that but it runs a lot deeper than that and he probably has mental health issues and nothing worse than the think positive about yourself card when someone feels like this

[iuytdfgh]

We are long distance friends and all i want is to hug her and make her feel safe as u said but how can i? Im just scared that she would harm herself
She’s having a rlly tough time 😞 i wanna do sum

[nettiea]

I always say the wrong thing🤭sorry but that’s therapist talk. A real friend reacts!!! They say… oh no he didn’t!!! That MFER rant rave and they feel worse after

[Lotus]

Everyone, at some point, is walking through life broken & disoriented. This is such great advice. This type of holding space from friends and loved ones will go a long way in supporting hope & healing. I desire for more people to see this. I’m glad I did. Thank you.