Sometimes, there are situations that people think a lot could get used to, maybe because they think that most people go through the same situations. But then there are also times when people think they are the only ones experiencing something. This is especially true when it comes to heartbreak. It feels like the world is ending and that no one could ever understand what you’re going through.
You know that most people would deal with heartbreak every once in a while. But this doesn’t mean that it’s easy for them. What’s easy for you may not be easy for your friend because heartbreak is a subjective feeling. Even some can develop physical symptoms like chest pain and trouble sleeping because of distress.
So if you can be a good friend and help your friend cope with heartbreak, here are some things that you can do:
1. Listen to them
As anyone who’s gone through any problem, someone who can listen is always a valuable person. Your friend wants to vent out and have someone to talk to. Just be there for them and let them know you’re always willing to lend a listening ear.
It’s also important that you know when to listen and when to give advice. Sometimes, your friend wants to be heard, and they don’t need your advice. They may also want you to share your opinion on the situation. Know when to do both so you can help them more.
Listening to your friend is one of the best things you can do to help them cope with this very difficult time. A simple talk can go a long way, especially if your friend feels like they’re all alone in this.
2. Express your support
Listening to your friend about their struggle is a good start, but sometimes, listening isn’t enough to help them cope. You may need to express your support to comfort them more. Your friend may feel like they’re losing their mind, but assure them that you are there for them. You can do this by expressing your support in different ways.
One way is to show your friend that you’re always willing to help. This means being available whenever they need someone to talk to or if they need help with anything. You can also help them out in practical ways. If they’re struggling to get out of the house, you can offer to go with them or do errands for them.
Another way to express your support is by sending encouraging messages. Your friends could also appreciate gifts to show them that you’re thinking of them. For example, a sympathy gift basket of sweets can be a thoughtful way to show your support. It’s also easy to find these gifts since there are companies that offer these gift baskets. A simple act of thoughtfulness can go a long way for your friend.
3. Help them find distractions
Heartbreak can make it tough for your friend to focus on anything else. They may have trouble sleeping, or they may not have an appetite anymore. To help them cope, you can try to find healthy distractions. This will help take their mind off their heartbreak, even for a little while.
You can start by finding activities your friend enjoys and see if they’re up for it. Maybe they used to like going out for walks or jogs, but they haven’t been doing it lately. You can offer to go with them to help them get back into the activity.
You can also find other activities that they can do to keep them busy. Maybe they’re interested in learning a new hobby or skill. You can help them look for resources so they can start learning. There are also online courses and tutorials that they can take at their own pace. Finding distractions will not magically make the heartbreak go away, but it can help them cope in a healthy way.
4. Encourage positive self-talk
Your friend may be struggling with negative thoughts because of the heartbreak. As a result, they may start to believe things like “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never find love again.” To help them cope, you can encourage positive self-talk.
One way to do this is by pointing out their good qualities whenever they start to doubt themselves. Help them see that they’re still an amazing person despite what happened. You can also share your own positive experiences with them to show that there’s still hope.
Another way to encourage positive self-talk is by helping them reframe their thoughts. For example, if they’re thinking, “I’m such a failure,” you can help them see that it’s not the end of the world and that they can still learn from their mistakes. Helping them change their perspective can significantly affect how they cope with heartbreak.
5. Suggest professional help
It’s no secret that heartbreak can be tough to deal with. Sometimes, it can lead to more serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. With this in mind, you should suggest professional help to your friend if you think they’re struggling to cope.
There’s no shame in seeking help from a therapist or counselor. It can be very helpful for your friend. A professional can help them understand their feelings and learn healthy ways to deal with them. They can also provide more support than you can on your own.
If you’re unsure if your friend is ready to see a professional, you can suggest other resources first. For example, there are hotlines that they can call if they need someone to talk to. There are also online forums and support groups that they can join. These resources can be helpful in their own right, but they can also be a stepping stone to professional help.
These are just some ways to help your friend who is going through a heartbreak. Remember to be there for them and be patient because grief doesn’t have a timeline. With your help, your friend will eventually be able to move on from the stressful situation.
