Look for other signs that there may be a problem. For example, mood swings, changes in appetite or sleep habits, nervousness, and agitation may all be signs of a mental health or substance abuse problem. Consider whether you have noticed these changes over time or if they happened suddenly. The onset of your friend’s symptoms can help you to understand it better. Ask other people close to your friend if they have any concerns. You might say, for instance, “Have you noticed anything that worries you about Daniel?”
You might, for example, ask your friend if they feel lonely. You might say, “Do you feel lonely or isolated very often?” Or, you could say, “Sometimes it seems like you’re isolating yourself. Is this on purpose or is there something I can help with?”
Make an effort to spend time with your friend, but if they make it clear that they want or need some alone time, then respect that.
You might just want to spend some time just being in each other’s presence. You don’t have to do or say anything while you’re together. You could also make plans for the two of you to do something, like watch a movie together or go for a hike.
For example, if you’re planning to volunteer at your local community center, ask your friend to come along. Or, as another example, you could invite your friend to come along with you to a party or other social event.
If you feel like you don’t know enough about your friend’s interests, then ask them, “What are some of the things that you like to do?” Tell your friend you want to do something that interests them. You might say, “Let’s do what you enjoy. Tell me what will get you out of the house. ”
For instance, you might say, “Could you invite Toni out sometime? I think she’s starting to self-isolate and time with you can help. ” Or, you could tell a mutual friend, “I think it might help Mark stop self-isolating if you go by and spend some time with him. ”
Don’t stop inviting your friend places or trying to socialize with them. Even if they seem to always refuse, keep trying to get them to be less isolated.
Write down ten things you like about your friend and give them the list. Better yet, read the list to your friend and explain why you wrote each thing. Tell your friend to add to the list. Tell them to list their skills, personality traits, and other positive characteristics.
For instance, you don’t have to lavish your friend with praise, but you might say something like, “I really like how you can be persistent. Your dedication is inspiring. ” Or, for example, you could tell your friend, “You really have a way of putting people at ease. It helps make a lot of situations much better. ”
For instance, you could help your friend go through their closet and put together some stylish new outfits. Or, for example, you can help them work on smiling more and seeming more approachable.
Practice conversing with people. For example, have your friend practice introducing themselves to you or starting a conversation. Role play various social situations. For instance, you might walk through what to do at a party or how to talk to someone at a sporting event.
Try to be around your friend when they are usually bullied. Just having you there can give your friend courage and cause the bully to think twice. You can tell your coach, for example, “Some of the teammates are bullying my friend. Can you help us work this situation out?”
You could tell your friend, “I’m concerned about the effect your drinking is having on you. You don’t do things you used to do and we barely spend time together. I think you need help. ” If your friend is under 18, you should talk to an ad you trust about what’s going on. For example, you might say, “One of my friends is having a problem with prescription pills. What should I do?”
Ask your friend to see a therapist to help them any emotional or mental health issues they’re experiencing. If your friend is a child or teen, talk to a trusted adult about your concerns for your friend. For example, you might tell your parent, “I think my friend has depression. How should I handle it. ”
You might tell your friend, “I think some things have been happening to you that worry me. Can we talk about it?” Or, you might say, “I think you might be being abused. Can we talk about what’s going on and how we can stop it?” You can also help them contact an abuse hotline like the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or the National Child Abuse hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
