Stage 7 · Lesson 1 of 7
Noticing when a friend is struggling
Friends and classmates often notice before family or teachers do. Signs a friend may be struggling include withdrawing from people, missing classes or work, big changes in sleep, eating or appearance, talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden, using more alcohol or other substances, or seeming unusually irritable or flat.
Online, they might go silent or post things that sound like goodbyes. You do not need to be sure something is wrong before you check in. A short, private message is enough: "You have seemed really quiet lately.
How are you doing, honestly?" Choose a calm moment and a private place.
Common trapwaiting for them to come to you, because people who are struggling often feel they would be a burden.
A question to check yourself and an AI practice session come when you add the roadmap to your account. Add it
Resources for this stage
Start with· follow one of these
- PlatformFreeBefrienders Worldwide
Befrienders Worldwide
Guidance on supporting someone in distress, and emotional support centres worldwide
- GuideFreeNHS Every Mind Matters
NHS (England)
The free Mind Plan quiz gives you a starting point for your wellbeing plan
Practise
Keep handy
Also worth your time
- Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World (Vivek H. Murthy)ReadPaid
Why connection matters for health, from a former US Surgeon General
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).