7. A Friend Will Educate Themselves
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Maybe you are a friend who knows very little about anxiety or depression, or maybe you have never walked through that yourself; it is important to educate yourself on mental health and gain some insight about what your friend is walking through. Educating yourself may be asking your friend how they feel, considering the thoughts going through their mind, or learning what they are feeling physically (most anxiety sufferers deal with a multitude of physical issues as a result).
9. Being a Friend on a Normal Day Can be Challenging but Essential
This is even more essential when you have a friend struggling with mental health disorders. Friendship is essential because it holds us up when we cannot stand on our own. There are many ways to care for a friend who is suffering; it doesn’t take much effort to step in and love them well. It can be as simple as checking in with a quick text and reminding them they are not alone.
It's no secret that since 2020, many people have developed hard bouts of depression and anxiety. Others, who struggled with these mental illnesses already are now dealing with more severe cases of their condition. While it might be uncomfortable to ask a friend how their mental health is, it's crucial. Just as clinical therapy sessions offer medicine and tools to work through a mental disorder, your words of encouragement can serve as a powerful tool of encouragement and hope. Don't count out the weight your words carry.
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Michelle Rabon is a wife and homeschooling mom of three who feels called to help women thrive in their walk with Jesus every day. In 2012, she started Displaying Grace, a ministry that is focused on helping women engage with God’s Word. Michelle has also served in women’s ministry for the past five years seeking to equip women in the local church through Bible study. When she is not writing or teaching, she enjoys reading, being close to the ocean, and drinking a lot of coffee.
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