Signs Your Friend is Struggling

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Maintaining strong friendships and recognizing when someone you care about is going through a difficult time can be challenging.

However, being attuned to the subtle shifts in your friend’s behavior, mood, and overall well-being can help you identify the signs that they may be struggling.

By understanding these indicators, you can offer your support and ensure your friend receives the help they need.

Below are the signs your friend might be in need of help.

Signs your friend is struggling

1. Changes in Behavior and Mood

One of the first signs that your friend may be struggling is a noticeable change in their behavior and mood. They may appear more withdrawn, irritable, or emotional than usual.

Pay attention to any sudden shifts in their demeanor, as these could be a sign that something is troubling them.

Withdrawal from Social Activities and Relationships
- Your friends may start to distance themselves from social gatherings, activities they once enjoyed, or even close relationships.
- They may make excuses to avoid spending time with you or others, or they may become less responsive to your attempts to connect.
Neglecting Personal Hygiene and Appearance
- Your friend may start to neglect their personal hygiene, such as showering, brushing their teeth, or maintaining their appearance.
- This can be a sign of a lack of motivation or a deeper underlying issue.

2. Cognitive and Emotional Changes

In addition to behavioral changes, your friend may also exhibit cognitive and emotional shifts that could indicate they are struggling.

Difficulty Concentrating and Making Decisions
- Your friend may have trouble focusing on tasks or making decisions, even on matters that were once straightforward for them.
- This can be a symptom of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
Increased Irritability and Mood Swings
- Your friend may become more easily agitated or experience sudden and unexplained changes in their mood.
- They may snap at you or others, or they may become withdrawn and moody without an apparent reason.
Loss of Interest in Previously Enjoyed Activities
- Your friend may lose interest in hobbies, passions, or activities they once found fulfilling.
- This can be a sign of depression or a lack of motivation to engage in things they once enjoyed.

Related: Signs your friendship is over

3. Physical and Health Changes

Changes in your friend’s physical health and well-being can also be indicators that they are struggling.

Sudden Weight Loss or Gain
- Significant, unintentional changes in your friend’s weight, either a loss or gain, can be a sign of an underlying issue.
- This could be related to changes in their eating habits or a symptom of a mental health condition.
Excessive Use of Drugs or Alcohol
- Your friend may turn to substance abuse as a way to cope with their struggles, which can further exacerbate their problems.
- Excessive use of drugs or alcohol can be a red flag that your friend is experiencing significant distress.
Changes in Sleep Patterns
- Your friend may start to experience changes in their sleep patterns, such as difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping excessively.
- Disruptions in sleep can be a symptom of various mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

4. Emotional and Psychological Indicators

Your friend’s emotional and psychological state can also provide clues that they are struggling.

Expressing Feelings of Hopelessness or Worthlessness
- Your friend may express feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or a sense of worthlessness, which can be signs of depression or other mental health concerns.
- They may feel that their situation is hopeless or that they are not deserving of help or support.
Talking About Death or Suicide
- If your friend starts to talk about death, dying, or suicide, it is a serious warning sign that they may be experiencing suicidal thoughts or intentions.
- This should be taken very seriously, and you should seek immediate professional help.
Giving Away Personal Belongings
- Your friend may start to give away their personal belongings, which can be a concerning sign that they are preparing for the possibility of not being around.
- This can be a red flag for suicidal ideation and should be addressed with care and urgency.

5. Behavioral and Social Changes

Your friend’s behavior and social interactions can also provide clues that they are struggling.

Engaging in Risky or Self-Destructive Behaviors
- Your friend may start to engage in risky or self-destructive behaviors, such as reckless driving, substance abuse, or self-harm.
- These behaviors can be a cry for help or a way for your friend to cope with their inner turmoil.
Sudden and Extreme Changes in Academic or Work Performance
- If your friend’s academic or work performance suddenly and drastically declines, it could be a sign that they are struggling with something outside of their studies or job.
- This can be a red flag for underlying mental health or personal issues.
Financial Difficulties and Reckless Spending
- Your friend may start to experience financial difficulties or engage in reckless spending, which can be a sign of a deeper emotional or psychological struggle.
- This could be a coping mechanism or a result of their inability to manage their finances due to their distress.
Isolation and Avoidance of Social Interactions
- Your friend may start to isolate themselves, avoiding social interactions and withdrawing from their support network.
- This can be a sign that they are struggling to cope with their emotions or difficulties and are turning inward.

6. Emotional and Interpersonal Changes

Your friend’s emotional and interpersonal responses can also provide insight into their struggles.

Increased Sensitivity to Criticism or Rejection
- Your friend may become more sensitive to criticism or rejection, reacting with heightened emotions or defensiveness.
- This can be a sign of low self-esteem, anxiety, or a deeper emotional vulnerability.
Expressing Feelings of Guilt or Self-Blame
- Your friend may express feelings of guilt or self-blame, even for things that are not their fault.
- This can be a symptom of depression or a sign that they are struggling with a sense of personal responsibility for their situation.

How to Support a Friend Who is Struggling

If you recognize these signs in your friend, it’s important to reach out and offer your support.

Approach them with empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude. Encourage them to open up and share what they are going through, and let them know that you are there to listen without offering unsolicited advice.

Suggest resources and professional help, such as counseling or support groups, and offer to accompany them to appointments or connect them with the appropriate services.

Remind your friend that their well-being is important and that they don’t have to go through this alone.

Conclusion

Recognizing the signs that your friend is struggling can be the first step in helping them get the support they need.

By being attentive to changes in their behavior, mood, and overall well-being, you can identify the indicators that something may be wrong and take action to ensure your friend receives the care and assistance they deserve.

With empathy, understanding, and a willingness to provide support, you can make a meaningful difference in your friend’s life during their time of need.

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ONWE DAMIAN

Onwe Damian Chukwuemeka is a relationship writer, a law student and a student advocate. He was the former Deputy Director of Public Prosecution SUG, University of Calabar, Nigeria, and currently one of the Judges of the High Court of the Student Union Government, University of Calabar. Learn more about him

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