How to Talk About Mental Health With Friends
You want to be honest. You want to say, “I’m not okay.” But the words get stuck. You don’t want to be a burden, seem dramatic, or make it awkward. Here’s the truth: You deserve to be heard. And with the right approach, you can open up without fear — and build deeper, more supportive friendships in the process. 1. Start Small and Safe You don’t have to pour everything out at once. Try: “I’ve been feeling off lately.” “Mind if I vent a little?” “Things have been kind of heavy on my end.” Test the waters. A real friend won’t shut you down. 2. Choose the Right Timing and Space Avoid deep talks in: Noisy public places Group settings High-stress moments Instead, pick a calm space — like a walk, coffee meetup, or even voice note. Safety invites honesty. 3. Share Feelings, Not Just Facts Instead of just saying “Work’s been hard,” try: “I’ve been feeling anxious every morning before work.” “I can’t shake this numbness.” “I feel like I’m carrying to...