what to say to a friend who is stressed out?
220575
Offer reassurance When you're feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to see a way out of a problem. Reminding and reassuring someone that this won't last forever and that the situation can improve, will help them keep things in perspective.
235104
['Can I help by doing x y or z? ... ', 'This is a temporary-yet-painful situation. ... ', 'It IS hard to imagine a way out of this mess. ... ', "I'm here to listen whenever you need me. ... ", "I'm so glad we're friends. ... ", "I'm sorry you have to go through this."]
490063
['Act Rather Than React. "We experience stress when we feel that situations are out of our control," says Melnick. ... ', 'Take A Deep Breath. ... ', 'Eliminate Interruptions. ... ', 'Schedule Your Day For Energy And Focus. ... ', 'Eat Right And Sleep Well. ... ', 'Change Your Story. ... ', 'Cool Down Quickly. ... ', 'Identify Self-Imposed Stress.']
1323157
Don't try to minimize their loss, provide simplistic solutions, or offer unsolicited advice. It's far better to just listen to your loved one or simply admit: “I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care.” Be willing to sit in silence. Don't press if the grieving person doesn't feel like talking.
1074439
['Cheer up! ... ', "To be honest with you, I don't have the words to make you feel better, but I do have the arms to give you a hug, ears to listen to whatever you want to talk about, and I have a heart: a heart that's aching to see you smile again."]
666076
["Be available to listen. Let your friend know that you're available to come over when needed. ... ", "Let her know if you don't mind taking a call from her in the middle of the night. ... ", 'Just be yourself. ... ', 'Let her know you care. ... ', 'Phone her, but be respectful of her needs. ... ', "Visit, but phone first to check it's okay."]
110068
Try something like: “Let's pause for a moment here. I can see you're crying. Would you like to take a break or keep going? It's up to you.” This is neutral language that gives someone the opportunity to choose what they want and need next.
204723
['What can I do to help?', 'What do you need from me?', 'You are strong. I believe in you.', 'Do you want to meet up?', 'Would you like to talk about it?', 'I understand how you must be feeling. That has to be hard.', "I'm so sorry. ... ", 'How are you feeling?']
1048189
["I'm so glad to see you.", "I'm so sorry you have to go through this.", "Tell me what's helpful and what's not.", 'Tell me when you want to be alone, and when you want company.', 'Tell me what to bring and when to leave.']
345526
['"You seem tired, would you like to rest here a while?" (If you have a chair or couch nearby )', '"You seem tired, may I get you some tea or coffee or water?" (If you can.)', '" You seem tired, go home and get some rest." (If they are working for you. )']
762842
Say, “I'm glad you found someone who makes you happy. I just miss hanging out with you.” Be honest with your friend, even if you feel embarrassed. You could say, “It's been really hard for me lately because you're my best friend.
497401
['"I Love You" ... ', '“Pack Your Gym Bag. ... ', '"Let\'s Try To Stay Off Social Media, OK?" ... ', '“Just Wanted You To Know That I\'m Thinking About You" ... ', '"Things Might Suck Right Now, But Everything Is Going To Be OK" ... ', '"Anything You Want To Do, Let\'s Do It" ... ', '“It\'s OK To Be Sad" ... ', '"I\'m Always Here For You To Listen Or Help However I Can”']
468159
["I can't stop thinking about you and all you must be going through. ... ", 'Thank you for being the kind of friend I strive to be. ... ', "You're the strongest person I know, and the best friend I've ever had. ... ", "You're always in my thoughts, and I'm so grateful to have had you in my life."]
985795
“I feel your pain.” (Do not say, “I know exactly how you feel.”) “How about a hug?” (Or just give them a hug.) “I'm here for you.” (And then be there.) “I'll bring you some lasagna next Tuesday.” (Or offer another specific way of helping.)
112520
["“Don't worry about a thing, 'cause, every little thing is gonna be alright!” ... ", "“Take a deep breath, and relax, it's all going to turn out better than you expected.”"]
354679
Phrases like, “I'm sorry you're having a hard time right now, “I know this is really tough for you and I just want you to know I'm here,” or even, “That sounds like it's really hard, can you tell me more about it?” can help someone feel less alone in what they're going through.
1457732
['Listen. It is important to be a shoulder to lean on and one thing your friend needs at that moment is someone who can just listen. ... ', 'Be there.', "Don't victimize. ... ", "Don't compare yourself. ... ", 'Engage them in activities they like. ... ', 'Be patient. ... ', 'Focus on what helps your friend feel better.']