How do we help a friend in need when they are experiencing loneliness, anger, and sadness?

How fast one emotion turns into another can sometimes catch us off guard! We find ourselves acting out in one way, when we’re really meaning for our feelings to be understood. This is why communication and good friendship is so important for our life and those around us.

The way we treat others is how we treat ourselves. If the way we communicate and our expectations of our friends turns to aggression, we need to take a step back and look at the situation with an outside lens.

It is such a beautiful blessing to be on the giving end of a friend when they need comfort, understanding and support. Unfortunately I have also felt the sting of a friend needing more, and I am unable to offer my shoulder.  When helping others we must be responsible to ourselves. We must remain aware and engaged with love.  We must know when the help we are giving is causing harm to them, and ourselves. 

Here are some tips for the friend that is lending a shoulder.

  • Know when not to respond; saying too much can lead to more confusion
  • Empower your friend; remind them of the goals they are reaching for
  • Meet in person; giving a hug, seeing your smile, and being around friends has a huge effect on others
  • Send another friend their way; sometimes our love is not the only answer, and sending someone else their way can change the mood
  • Offer gifts of love; something as simple as a wildflower, a hand drawing or a good book can inspire new life
  • Know when it’s time; when behavior is unsafe, know when to reach for outside help, and know when you need to step away for your own health

Thank you for the love you offer

Thank you for listening

Meagan Buchanan, Eternity in a Box