61 Ways to be a supportive friend

1 Listen actively

2 Be supportive

3 Be open and welcoming, and listen

4 Seek help

5 Take care of yourself

6 Encourage them to seek help

7 Help them to find support

8 Be patient

9 Help them identify their triggers

10 Ask them what they need from you–then give it

11 Process before your speak

12 Reel in the questions

13 Educate yourself about depression and other mood disorders

14 Help them identify and cope with sources of stress

15 Remind them that they're incredibly strong

16 Make them smile, because laughter helps and heals

17 Let them know they won't always feel this way

18 Dont assume

19 Dont touch without asking

20 Dont criticize

21 Do more listening and less talking

22 Give them all kinds of support

23 Dont forget their milestones

24 Be a source of information for your friend

25 Make them a part of everything

26 Always be there, even in silence

27 Dont be scared to tell each other the truth, no matter how difficult it may be

28 Be loyal in confidence and character, always open and inviting to share concerns, always honest even if you disagree

29 Try and improve their life though your friendship

30 Be genuinely happy when they get, receive, or achieve something you truly desire

31 Share the truth in your heart, without the fear of misunderstandings

32 Accept the person as they are, as an individual, without conditions

33 Remain friends despite a person’s choices in life and dont bail on them when they aren’t who you want them to be

34 Help yourself and those closest to you grow

35 Celebrate the wins and be there to support the losses

36 Show up! you can pretend to care but you cannot pretend to show up

37 Be there for the other person in the same way you would be there for yourself

38 Dont let your own stuff get in the way

39 Do some hang time

40 Get out

41 Recognize their feelings

42 Suggest counseling

43 Practice good listening

44 Include them

45 Check in

46 Be flexible

47 Learn about our illness

48 Don’t join the pity party

49 Be present

50 Give them your full, uninterrupted self

51 Give them tools to help themselves

52 Keep in mind that your support is very important in your friends fight against ocd

53 Be available

54 Don’t take negative reactions personally

55 Help maintain structure and routine

56 Be mindful of your words

57 Try new things within an existing supportive relationship

58 Resist the fear of missing out (fomo)

59 Check your assumptions about what it means to say no

60 Communicate your “no” with transparency and kindness

61 Consider how to use a modified no

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