Many individuals today feel overwhelmed, experiencing heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. These struggles often affect relationships with loved ones, colleagues, and friends.
Maintaining meaningful connections requires time and energy—something that can feel scarce during difficult periods.
Licensed therapist Becky Stuempfig explains that many people experiencing anxiety or low moods isolate themselves, making it harder to reconnect with others over time. This isolation can deepen feelings of sadness and diminish self-confidence, perpetuating a cycle of withdrawal and loneliness.
Being Open About Challenges
It’s important to communicate your struggles to friends. Let them know if you’re feeling overwhelmed, so they don’t misinterpret your absence. Danielle Bayard Jackson, a friendship coach, emphasizes the value of sharing—even briefly—what you’re experiencing to prevent misunderstandings.
Being honest doesn’t mean sharing every detail. A simple explanation that you’re facing challenges can help friends understand your behavior without judgment. This openness fosters patience, kindness, and deeper bonds between friends.
Helping Friends Understand
If you’re comfortable, describe your experiences to help friends grasp what you’re going through. For instance, you might explain the physical and emotional toll of anxiety or feelings of exhaustion that make socializing difficult. Neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez suggests using examples to illustrate your experience, enabling friends to better support you.
Sharing resources, such as articles or guides, can also help friends understand without requiring you to explain everything in detail.
Seeking Support Without Judgment
Building supportive friendships involves vulnerability. Express your need for understanding and emphasize that this is a challenging time. Stuempfig highlights the importance of clear communication, such as saying, you are "having a tough week. Can we talk or spend some time together soon?”
The key is to be specific. Whether it’s asking for a walk, a phone call, or help with an appointment, clarity helps friends provide meaningful support.
Setting Healthy Boundaries
To protect your well-being, set boundaries that allow you to recharge. Friendship coach Jackson notes that avoiding triggers or situations that feel overwhelming is vital. Honoring your limits and communicating them to friends can prevent additional stress while preserving relationships.
For example, if an upcoming event feels overwhelming, let your friends know you’re unable to attend but value their understanding. True friends will prioritize your health over attendance.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Taking care of yourself is essential during tough times. Clinical psychologist Irene S. Levine recommends focusing on consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and stress reduction techniques like meditation or hobbies. Surround yourself with empathetic individuals who understand your needs and give yourself grace on harder days.
Strengthening Friendships Through Communication
Proactive communication strengthens bonds. Ask yourself what you need—regular check-ins, occasional outings, or quiet support—and share this with friends. In turn, encourage them to express their own needs, fostering a mutual understanding that deepens the connection.
By being open, setting boundaries, and prioritizing well-being, friendships can endure and even strengthen, offering mutual support during life’s challenges.
UOKM8? How To Speak To Your Friends About Your Mental Health
Video By LADbible Stories
