There is no shame in feeling a little low every now and then - everybody goes through it. So, if you notice that one of your friends or classmates is possibly having a difficult time, don’t stay silent, because you have the power to make the difference.
Signs your friend is going through a difficult time
Changes in behaviour could be anything - it could be online or in person, but these are some things to look out for:
- Do their texts or messages seem a little bit shorter? Or is their tone different to normal?
- Do their posts seem a little sad?
- Do they look like they've been in some distress?
There are many factors that could affect a young person’s mental health, from school, to family, to their activities online. So, if you see a change in behaviour in your friend, the best thing to do is to talk to them. Let them know you’re there and make them feel heard and seen – this can really make a huge difference in somebody’s life.
- If you’re worried about a friend, then you may want to talk to a trusted adult, a parent, guardian or teacher for their advice.
- Is someone bullying one of your mates? Don’t be a bystander, here are five things you can do right now!
- And take this quiz to find out how much you help your friends against bullying.
