Weep with those who weep – How can you help a friend who is emotionally distressed?
It is not uncommon to encounter frustration and setbacks at different life stages, which may lead to emotional instability. Some of us can rebound to a balanced state by self-regulation after a while; some of us may need longer time or others’ assistance; while some of us may need to seek professional support in order to get over the emotional turmoil.
Does your friend experience the following situations?
- Cries a lot and could not concentrate. Peer counselling does not seem to help and the situation lasts for months.
- Calls at 3am and says, “I can no longer tolerate this pain. No one can help me. I want to disappear from this world!”
- Involves in a troublesome romantic relationship which drags him/her down.
- Rejects all invitations and refuses to go out or socialise with others.
Facing the above situations, how could you help your emotionally disturbed friends?
Walk with your friends
To lend a helping hand, you should first identify signs of mental disturbances. Below are some useful tips! If your friend experiences these symptoms for more than two consecutive weeks, there are reasons to concern about his/her mental wellness. It may be time for us to offer our support.
How to help a friend experiencing low mood and/or anxiety?
Signs of low mood and/or anxiety | Do’s | Don’ts |
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How to help a friend with suicidality?
Signs of suicidality | Do’s | Don’ts |
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Seek professional help
It may be difficult to rely solely on personal effort to help someone with severe emotional disturbance. Other than keeping calm, offering active listening & emotional support and acceptance, you should encourage your friend to seek professional help, e.g. from counsellors, medical doctors, psychologists or social workers etc. In addition, you can help him/her to collect relevant information regarding the professional services, or even accompany him/her to seek these services.
You also need support
While giving support to your friends, you should also pay attention to your own emotional condition. Sometimes, your distressed friends may have some unreasonable requests or behaviors, such as expecting you to attend his/her call whenever he/she is in bad mood in the middle of the night. As a response, you may feel exhausted, helpless and even blaming yourself for not doing enough. However, you should acknowledge your limitations and that you have already offered your best.
While you are helping your friends, you can also seek advice from your family, close friends and professionals. If possible, you should try to contact the family of the person concerned to ensure his/her safety, as well as to reduce your pressure. If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to seek help from the Wellness and Counselling Centre.
Emotional Support & Psychological Counselling Service
CUHK 24-hour Emotional Support Hotline : 5400 2055
Wellness and Counselling Centre, Office of Student Affairs
- Tel : 3943 7208
- Email : wacc@cuhk.edu.hk
- Address : 2/F, Pommerenke Student Centre