Spinnaker Tower Abseil, Portsmouth
11 July 2026
Worried about a friend and not sure what to do? You are not alone. Supporting someone through mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, especially if you are scared of saying the wrong thing or making it worse.
The truth is, you do not need to have all the answers. Being there, listening, and showing you care can make a real difference. You already have the power to help.
When someone you care about is struggling, it is natural to want to fix things. But mental health struggles are not something you can solve overnight.
What matters most is showing up. A message, a conversation, or just sitting with them can help your friend feel less alone. That matters more than having the perfect words.
Being a good friend is not about being an expert. It is about being there.
Give your friend space to talk. Let them share what they are feeling without interrupting or jumping in with solutions.
You might say:
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“I am here for you.”
Sometimes, being heard is the first step towards feeling better.
One conversation is not always enough. Mental health struggles can come and go, and knowing someone is thinking of them can mean a lot.
A simple message like “How are you doing today?” or “Just checking in, you okay?” can make a big difference.
Even if you do not fully understand what they are going through, their feelings are real.
Avoid saying things like:
“It is not that bad”
“Others have it worse”
Instead, try:
“That sounds really tough”
“I’m really glad you told me”
When someone is struggling, even simple tasks can feel overwhelming.
Encourage small, manageable steps such as going for a short walk, getting some fresh air, or doing something they usually enjoy.
Even small wins count.
You do not have to do this alone. There are people and services that can help your friend in ways you cannot.
You could:
Offer to help them look for support
Sit with them while they reach out
Share trusted services they can explore
If your friend is open to it, professional support like counselling or emotional wellbeing support can be a powerful next step.
If your friend is in crisis, talking about harming themselves, or you are seriously worried about their safety, it is important to involve a trusted adult or professional.
This might feel difficult, but getting help could protect your friend. You are not betraying them by speaking up. You are doing it because you care.
Supporting someone else can be emotionally draining. It is important to check in with yourself too.
Make sure you:
Talk to someone you trust
Take breaks when you need them
Do things that help you reset and feel like yourself again
You cannot support someone else if you are running on empty. Looking after yourself is part of being there for them.
Even with the best intentions, some responses can make things harder.
Try to avoid:
Minimising their feelings
Giving quick fixes or advice they did not ask for
Comparing their experience to others
Putting pressure on them to “cheer up”
Telling them not to think about it
Instead, focus on understanding, patience, and consistency.
There may be times when your friend needs more than peer support.
Encouraging them to speak to someone trained, such as a counsellor or support service, can help them access the right support for their situation.
Step by Step offers services designed to support young people with their mental health and wellbeing. Exploring these options together can make it feel less intimidating.
Choosing to support a friend is not always easy. It takes courage, patience, and care. By showing up, listening, and helping them find support, you are already making a real difference. You do not have to get it perfect. You just have to show up.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kelly Headen as Head of Services at Step by Step. This new position will see Kelly spearheading all of our frontline services for young people, across accommodation, counselling, and wellbeing.
