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Episode 3529:

Listening can be one of the most powerful ways to support a friend struggling with their mental health. Sara Stanizai offers practical advice on how to be there for them without overstepping, focusing on empathy, asking rather than assuming, and making thoughtful, specific suggestions when appropriate. By taking on the role of a supportive co-pilot rather than a rescuer, you can help your loved ones navigate their struggles while empowering them to take the next steps on their own terms.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.prospecttherapy.com/blog/2018/7/3/how-to-support-your-friends-mental-health

Quotes to ponder:

"Literally, just be quiet. That’s the first thing I learned in therapy school! (Just kidding. Sort of.) Keep your mouth shut and hear them out."

"Unsolicited advice (except in the form of super cool blog posts) isn’t helpful. If anything, it just adds to their feelings of overwhelm."

"We ultimately want to set troubled loved ones up to make strides on their own, and removing ourselves from the action, yet not detaching emotionally, is a vital part of that."

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