May is Mental Health Awareness Month.
It’s a chance to slow down and really think about how we care for ourselves and the people we love. Behind many smiles are silent struggles. Maybe it’s your coworker who keeps canceling plans, your sibling who seems distant, or the friend who always makes you laugh. You might not see it, but they could be carrying something that weighs heavily. Supporting someone doesn’t always mean you have anything to say.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, sometimes the most powerful mental health support is simply being present. If you’ve ever wondered how to be there for someone, especially during this time, here are some thoughtful and meaningful ways to start.
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Signs Your Friend Might Be Struggling with Their Mental Health
Mental health challenges don’t always look obvious. Still, there are often subtle signs if you’re paying attention.
Make sure to look out for:
- Backing out of plans or skipping social events more than usual
- Unpredictable mood swings or emotional reactions
- Dropping the ball on responsibilities at home, school, or work
- Noticeable changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Losing interest in things they usually love
These signs don’t always mean someone is in crisis, but they can be red flags. If your gut tells you something’s wrong, it’s worth checking in.
Research from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that more than one in five U.S. adults—an estimated 59.3 million people in 2022—live with a mental illness, accounting for 23.1% of the adult population.¹
Despite this, the 2024 State of Mental Health in America report found that over 28 million adults with mental illness didn’t get any treatment, more than half of those who need it.²
7 Ways to Support a Friend’s Mental Health
When someone you care about is struggling emotionally, knowing how to offer meaningful support can make all the difference—here are 7 thoughtful ways to support a friend’s mental health:
1. Start with a Compassionate Conversation
You don’t need to be a therapist to offer support. Just starting a conversation can be powerful. Speak gently and keep it low-pressure. Even saying, “Hey, I’ve noticed you seem a little off lately. How are you doing?” can open the door. It shows them that you notice and care, which truly means a lot during tough times.
2. Practice Active Listening
Listening might seem easy, but truly being present takes effort. When your friend speaks, make space for them to share without interruptions. Put your phone down, maintain eye contact, and let them talk without trying to fix everything. Sometimes, just feeling heard is the first step to healing. Your presence can speak louder than any advice.
3. Avoid Judgment or Quick Fixes
Even with the best of intentions, it’s easy to fall into quick fixes. But mental health isn’t a problem with a simple solution. Avoid phrases like “Just be positive” or “It could be worse.” Instead, validate their feelings. Say, “That sounds really tough. I’m here with you.” Support means standing beside someone, not pushing them to move forward before they’re ready.
4. Check In Regularly
Support doesn’t always have to be a deep or lengthy conversation. Often, it’s the small, consistent check-ins that mean the most. Send a quick message, share a funny meme, or ask how their day is going. These small gestures can help people feel seen, and that can mean everything.
According to a 2023 CDC report, loneliness and lack of emotional support can seriously raise the risk of depression and emotional distress.³
One friend told me that a meme a day was the only thing that kept them going. It sounds simple, but that daily laugh meant someone was thinking of them.
5. Offer Help with Daily Tasks
When someone is struggling with their mental health, everyday responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Things like grocery shopping, cleaning, or walking your dog might feel impossible. If you’re in a position to help, even small tasks can bring big relief. It’s not about fixing everything. It’s about making their day just a little easier.
6. Encourage Professional Help
If your friend seems open to it, gently suggest speaking with a mental health professional. Remind them that going to therapy isn’t giving up. It’s an act of strength. It takes guts to face the hard stuff. Offer to help with the research or go with them to the first appointment. Sometimes knowing someone is by their side makes all the difference.
Whether it’s through small gestures or connecting them with a professional like those at Cornerstone Healing Center, even the smallest steps can show they’re not alone.
7. Suggest Group Therapy or Support Groups
Many people feel less alone when they realize others are going through similar struggles. Group therapy offers a safe space to share, connect, and learn coping strategies from peers. Group therapy—like that offered at Cornerstone —creates a warm space to connect and grow. These groups offer community and connection, two of the key elements in the healing journey.
Mental Health Support Starts Small, and That's Okay!
You don’t always need to have a deep talk. A quiet presence, a casual hangout, even a quick text—simple gestures like these can really mean a lot. They show your friend they’re not invisible and that someone genuinely cares. Over time, these little things can add up in a big way.
What Not to Say When a Friend Is Struggling
Words really do matter. Even when your intentions are good, some things can come across the wrong way. Telling someone to “snap out of it” can make it sound like they should just flip a switch, as if they’re choosing to feel this way. Try something more compassionate, like “It’s okay to feel this way. You’re not alone.” And steer away from comparing their pain to others with phrases like “other people have it worse.” Instead, go with something like “What you’re feeling is valid, and I’m here with you.” Recognizing their feelings builds connection, while comparison can make them feel even more isolated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my friend needs professional mental health support?
Some signs include pulling away from others, changes in mood or behavior, trouble keeping up with daily tasks, or seeming overwhelmed more often than not. If these patterns continue or start affecting their everyday life, it’s a good time to gently suggest professional help and remind them that it’s okay to reach out.
What if my friend doesn’t want to talk?
If they’re not ready to talk, respect that boundary while still finding ways to show you care. Send a quick message, invite them to hang out casually, or just sit with them in silence. Being consistently present without pushing them can help build trust and make them feel supported, even without words.
Can group therapy help friends and family, too?
Absolutely. Group therapy isn’t just for people going through mental health challenges. It can also support those who care about them. It provides a space to talk about your own feelings, hear others’ experiences, and gain insight. Being around people in similar situations can make you feel understood and remind you that you’re not alone.
How do I support a friend without burning out?
Helping someone through a hard time is meaningful, but it’s also emotionally taxing. Set healthy boundaries, take regular breaks, and make space for the things that recharge you. Practicing self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When you care for yourself, you’re better able to show up for your friend in a way that’s sustainable.
Key Takeaways
- Key Takeaways
- Real support starts with listening and showing genuine empathy.
- Watch for changes like pulling away or mood shifts, as they can be signs someone’s struggling.
- Skip the toxic positivity. Just being there and validating their feelings makes a difference.
- Group therapy can be a powerful way to feel less alone and more supported.
- You’re not in this alone—Cornerstone is here when you’re ready.
Find Mental Health Support at Cornerstone
Whether you’re standing beside a loved one or facing your own mental health challenges, you don’t have to do it alone.
At Cornerstone Healing Center, we offer a full spectrum of care tailored to meet you where you are—including virtual intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) for flexible support and a residential mental health program for those needing more structured healing.
Take the next step with confidence—reach out today to explore the option that’s right for you and begin your journey toward lasting wellness.
