How to Support a Friend Through Mental Health Struggles | StaggeredCo

Learn how to support someone with mental health challenges the right way with empathy, presence, and impact. A guide by StaggeredCo Clothing.

We’ve All Been There

You get a late-night text:

“I don’t think I’m okay.”

Your stomach drops. You want to help but suddenly, your mind blanks. What do you say? What shouldn’t you say?

Supporting a friend through a mental health struggle isn’t easy. But how you show up can change everything.

At StaggeredCo, we’ve seen the difference the right kind of support can make. So here’s your guide, it's real, raw, and rooted in empathy to help you be the friend who makes a difference.

💬 What NOT to Say When Someone’s Struggling

These phrases are often said with good intentions but can do harm:

• “You’ll get over it.” – Minimises their pain.
• “Others have it worse.” – Comparison invalidates their experience.
• “Just stay positive.” – Toxic positivity can feel isolating.
• “You’re just being dramatic.” – This fuels shame and shuts down openness.

Story Example:
One of our team members shared this:

“I told a mate I’d been feeling numb for weeks. He laughed it off and said, ‘You just need to get on the beers, bro.’ I didn’t talk about it again for months.”

Lesson? Listening > Fixing. Presence > Platitudes.

✅ What TO Say Instead: Real Support in Action

Here are words that build trust, not walls:

• “I’m really glad you told me.”
• “That sounds heavy. I’m here for you.”
• “You don’t have to figure this out alone.”
• “Want me to just listen or help brainstorm support options?”

Story Example:
When a customer shared their hoodie story with us, they said:

“Wearing the ‘You Matter’ hoodie started convos I never expected. One friend saw it and opened up to me about their anxiety for the first time, because they knew the StaggeredCo brand. I just listened and it meant everything to them.”

🧠 3 Simple Ways to Be the Friend That Actually Helps

1. Listen Without Solving

Listen to understand, not to fix. Just being present is often the most healing thing you can offer.

2. Ask, Don’t Assume

“What do you need right now?”

That question can be more powerful than any advice.

3. Check In Consistently

A simple “Thinking of you today 💛” text can keep someone going.

🛑 Reminder: Take Care of Yourself Too

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Supporting someone else doesn’t mean ignoring your own needs.

Set boundaries. Rest. Seek support when you need it, too.

🌱 Want to Get Better at Supporting Others?

That’s exactly why we're creating the StaggeredCo Mindset Matters Course: Unlock Your Inner Resilience a practical, non-clinical resource to help you:

• Understand mental health better
• Support friends without burning out
• Build your own mindset resilience
• Be the person others feel safe turning to

🖤 Wear It on Your Sleeve: The 'You Matter' Hoodie

Words matter. And so does visibility.

That’s why we created the You Matter Hoodie, a wearable reminder on the Neck Tag that no-one has to walk through struggle alone.

Every hoodie supports mental health initiatives, and sends a quiet, powerful message to anyone who sees it:
“You’re seen. You’re valued. You’re not alone and You matter!”

💬 Final Thought

The world doesn’t need more people who have all the answers.

It needs more people who are willing to sit beside someone in silence… and stay.

Supporting a friend doesn’t take perfection... just presence, patience, and compassion.

You’ve got this. And we’ve got you.