How to Help Someone in Distress

Witnessing a loved one or friend in distress can be an overwhelming and painful experience. Distress, or excessive stress, can be caused by numerous factors but not limited to family problems, relationship problems, academic failure or pressure, career problems, serious injury, loneliness and eating disorders. Recognizing these causes while responding in a caring way to a loved one in distress can help prevent his situation from escalating into a crisis.

Instructions

• 1

  Take your friend to a private, comfortable area. In your own words, express your concerns about the situation in a direct, honest and non-judgmental way. Ask your friend open-minded questions. He may not answer but may feel relieved to hear that you are trying to understand.

• 2

  Listen to everything your friend has to say carefully. Listen with sensitivity and without feeling compelled to find a solution or express a judgment. Sometimes just listening is enough to help someone in distress.

• 3

  Admit to your friend that you don't know how to help. Every person is unique with different needs. What feels supportive for one person may not feel supportive for another. Do ask questions like, "Is there anything you need from me to feel that I'm here for you?" or "How can I best help you?"

• 4

  Follow up on your loved one and let him know that you will check back with him frequently to see how things are going.