A friend

Seb

Hi. My friend said that they hate their life. I’ve said that I’m there for them beforehand and that I’ll listen to them but I don’t know what else to say to that. Any advice please?

Katie

Hey @Seb it sounds like your friend has been struggling recently and you're trying to be there for them. This is really kind and considerate of you Seb. Being there for them and offering a safe place where they feel listened to sounds like a really good idea, and I wonder if maybe repeating this to them might help them feel reassured and encourage them to open up?

I also wonder how you would feel about letting them know of some organisations who could help support them? If they're aged 13-25, they're more than welcome to join our Community and we can support them too. I'll also pop a few more organisations down below for you to take a look at and decide if they would feel appropriate for them:

Shout is a confidential text service for support with mental health. If you are struggling to cope, text "SHOUT" to 85258 to speak to a trained volunteer who can help. This service is available 24/7. They also have online resources and support on their website which includes tips and resources to help if you're feeling anxious, low, stressed or overwhelmed. For more information, visit their website at https://giveusashout.org/

A local GP (doctor) offer access to further help with any physical or mental health problem. They can prescribe treatments and medicines for physical and mental health conditions, and they can refer individuals on to specialist doctors and healthcare professionals for longer-term help with specific problems. You can find a list of local GPs at www.nhs.uk

The Mental Health Foundation provides a guide to mental health, current issues, and treatment options as well as tips on how you can look after your mental health. Their website is www.mentalhealth.org.uk

Every Mind Matters is an NHS service that offers practical help and advice on how to cope with your mental health and looking after yourself. They offer support for anxiety, low mood, stress, sleep as well as advice for parents and carers on how to support your children and self care tips for young people. Their 'Mind Plan' is a function that offers support tailored to you by answering a quiz. For more information go to https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

I also wanted to check in on how you're feeling after your friend shared this with you? Supporting friends can take a toll on ourselves too, and it's important you look after yourself as well. Let us know how you're feeling today Seb - we're here!