Mental health issues are on the rise. They have made young people walk into early deaths. Issues that may be solved through talking. Most people don’t like sharing their problems. They don’t open up. That’s why you should beware of your friends before it’s too late. But how do you know your friend is crying for help without them saying it. Let’s dig in.
Withdrawal from friends and family is the first sign you may notice. He/she will start excluding himself from their friends. They will start doing things alone which normally they would enjoy doing with family and friends. Reach out to them and try to be there for them.
Mostly, someone suffering from mental health will start avoiding the things they normally enjoy. This they do by finding excuses. This together with being unable to complete their expected task or any task they put their mind to. They’ll also start being bored easily unlike how they were previously.
At times, a friend who never took drugs or took it in bits will start consuming in uncontrollable quantities. Either alcohol or any other drug, they will start misusing it to cover their pain. This is a clear sign that he/she is not okay and you should reach out to them.
Frequent cancelling of plans is another way to identify that your friend is having issues. This means that your friend will cancel the plans you had made with them thrice or even four times without a good reason. This means that your friend is battling something and it’s okay to check up on them.
Your friend might start eating a lot or eating little food. As a friend, you know how your friend eats. Some love food and suddenly, even the favorite meal doesn’t entice them. Others eat little ammounts normally but all of a sudden, they are eating everything. Kindly slow them down and ask if everything is okay. Because high chances are, its not.
As a friend, all you have to do is listen to their cry. Listen to them. Let them know you care and you’re there for them. Also check on them regularly. They may push you back but don’t give up on them. Let them know someone cares.
Also encourage them to open up and help them wherever you can. Sometimes, people are struggling with material things that can be outsourced. Encourage them to see a professional too for counselling. Tell them IT’S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY.