|​There comes a point in every human being’s life where they will need the support of others. Life’s natural afflictions can be hard to bear at times: grief, addiction, relationship breakdowns. To be a true friend, you want to offer up the support that will help them in their time of need.

This article will explore three situations in which you can be there for a friend in need when listening to a grieving friend, supporting through addition, and helping after a breakup. Continue reading to learn how you can help the people you care most about in your own life!

Please note: The information contained in this article is not medical advice and if you are concerned about your health, please seek professional support from a doctor or hospital. This is a collaborative post.

​It can be tricky to know how to help a friend in need. Being on the end of the phone and letting your pal know that you are there should they need to talk might not cut it. Take a look at these three practical strategies that you can employ to ensure that you are able to help a friend in need.

​The one certainty in life is that you will experience grief at some point. It doesn’t matter whether your friend has lost a beloved pet, a parent or a spouse, their initial feelings will be raw and intense.

​You may want to step away at this point to give your buddy some breathing space. This can be a good idea, but make sure that they know what you are doing so they don’t feel abandoned. You may find that their response is needing the opposite. Be the listening ear that they crave. Be the metaphorical punching bag and let them cry, rant and rave at you. Ensure that you keep them in your social circle.

While they may be withdrawn and isolated in their first few months of grieving, they will eventually emerge ready to venture outside. Keep inviting them out, head around there with a takeaway and just be present. If they are struggling with their emotions, research grief counselling and offer to help enroll them for a few sessions. Sometimes speaking to a stranger is easier than chatting to a friend.

It doesn’t matter whether your close friend is struggling with substance addiction, spending money or alcohol, they will have a personality that craves a vice. To be supportive, you need to lead by example and not surround them by temptations. If your pal is struggling with alcohol dependency, ensure that they are surrounded by sober friends on a night out.

​If you head to a restaurant with your friend to eat at where alcohol is available, ensure that you show practical support by abstaining from alcohol with them for the night. Rehab may need to be considered, but you cannot intervene until they are ready to make a change. However frustrating this might be, you need to wait until your friend asks for help, rather than enforcing it onto them.

Like grief, relationship breakdowns can be devastating. The initial sense of loss and isolation can be all consuming. While some relationships end amicably, many do not. Being alone for the first time in years can sap your friend’s self esteem and cause them to feel worthless.

​Try and boost their confidence with compliments. Continue to invite them to social gatherings. And always be there if they need to talk about things or vent. It can be difficult if you know both parties as you may feel a loyalty to each person. Be truthful and honest, and don’t allow yourself to get drawn into mudslinging or arguments.

It can be challenging to know what to do for the best when a friend is in need. However, be yourself, and follow these simple strategies to ensure that your pal has the support that they need in the difficult times of their lives.

How do you support your friends through difficult moments? Share in the comments below!

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