Supporting Your Friends
Others, Mental Health , SupportContributed by: Youth for Christ Canada
Young people would rather talk to a peer than an adult to seek support when they are struggling. And teens are struggling now more than ever.
Simply being in the same life space gives young people influence and opportunity to support their peers. As they reach out they grow in social skills – such as empathy and communication – that help to develop their own resilience. But compassionate young people can be in danger of becoming emotional sponges, soaking up all their friends’ difficulties until they themselves are overwhelmed.
We need to equip them with skills that fit their role as friend – not counsellor.
The Supporting Your Friends infographic offers suggestions on how teens can offer support in ways that are good for both their friends and them as well.
