Encouraging Words for a Friend Going Through a Tough Time

Looking for some encouraging, comforting words for a friend going through a tough time?

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say and how to say it. 

For some, it might seem easier to avoid a friend going through a tough time. So, I want to thank you for being here – looking for ways to provide comfort and support.

What to say to someone going through a hard time

It can be really hard to articulate your words in the right way when you want to convey your love and support.

Many times just showing up is all that matters.

How can you show up and support a friend?

• Text your friend with cute/funny messages
• Drop by your friend’s place with a coffee
• Pick up the phone and just say hey
• Send them a postcard saying I love you
• Write them a caring letter
• Call them and initiate plans

If your friend is going through a really tough time, they might not always be as receptive as you’d like – meaning they may not respond right away.

So just keep reaching out. They need your kind heart.

Below I’m sharing examples of comforting words to say to a friend in need, but first, know this…

It’s okay to say to your friend…

I’m here to listen. I may not understand, but I care about you and even if I don’t know what to say at times, know that I want to be here for you in any way I can.

When I was going through an extremely hard time with my infertility, I had a friend tell me this and it made me feel so much better.

Remember, it’s better to say ‘I don’t know what to say’ and address the elephant in the room rather than avoiding the topic – which will make your loved one feel more alone.

Related: How To Comfort Someone Who Is Sad Or Down

“One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone.”

– Shannon L. Alder

Encouraging Words for a friend going through a tough time

No matter what your friend or loved one is going through you can share some comforting words when they’re truly in need.

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I hate that you’re hurting. You don’t deserve this. 

It’s not fair what you’re going through. 

Tell me what I can do to help you.

Thank you for always having my back. Now it’s my turn to have yours. 

Whatever path you take, I’m with you. By your side – always.

You are a kind, loving, beautiful person. It might be really hard to see this now, but you will get through this – and when it seems like you won’t I’m here for you.

I know you feel misunderstood at times so I’m here to listen and learn.

You matter to so many people in this world. You make such a positive impact on people’s lives (including my own) and I’m here to help you get through this difficult time.

This chapter in life sucks. I’m here to do all I can to get you out of this so you can move on to the spectacular things you want to do in life.

Hey, I was thinking of you today – I just want to say how much you mean to me.

I’m so proud of you for taking on this burden. You have done so much to help others, but now it’s time for you to look after yourself.

How can I make this easier for you right now?

It hurts me to see you going through this heavy, difficult time. I love you and I want to make this go away.

“Encouraging someone to be entirely themself is the loudest way to love them.”

– Kalen Dion

Words of encouragement and strength for a friend

These comforting words for a friend in need will remind them how fierce they are, how much they’ve already overcome and that things will get better.

–

This crappy time you’re going through is making you stronger and I just know you’ll get through this.

The positivity and strength you have in this tough situation is so admirable. Also, know that you can cry if you need to and I’m here to listen.

Let me help you build up your strength to feel better.

I am trying to understand how hard this is to let go and I’m here to help you in any way I can.

It’s okay not to be okay. 

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Related: 25 Quotes To Give You Strength When You’re Feeling Low

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Encouraging Quotes To Share with a Friend

Another way to share words of support for a friend going through a tough time is by sharing quotes from others. Here are some of my favourite wise words that can lift someone up and show them love.

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” — Aristotle

“There is always light. If only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” — Amanda Gorman

“The most beautiful people wear their hearts on their sleeves, and their souls in their smiles.” — Mark Anthony

“By being yourself, you put something wonderful in the world that was not there before.” — Edwin Elliot

“There are moments when troubles enter our lives and we can do nothing to avoid them. But they are there for a reason. Only when we have overcome them will we understand why they were there.” — Paulo Coelho, The Fifth Mountain

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” — Helen Keller

“Hard times are sometimes blessings in disguise. We do have to suffer but in the end it makes us strong, better and wise.” — Anurag Prakash Ray

“Fall seven times, stand up eight.” — Japanese Proverb

“Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.” — L.M. Montgomery

How to support a friend going through a difficult time

There are so many occasions that we feel like our hands are tied when a friend or loved one is going through a tough time.

In so many cases there isn’t a lot we can do – but we can always show our support.

Showing support to a friend definitely starts with these words of encouragement and strength, but what else can we do to help?

More ways to support a friend going through a difficult time:

• Pick up groceries or make a freezer meal and drop it off (or go over and cook for them)
• Set up a weekly walking date (or another activity) so they can get their mind off things
• If you have a friend going through depression send them a small thoughtful gift
• Keep checking in – every day or at least a few times a week
• Just show up in any way you can

What not to say to a friend

Do you ever feel like you put your foot in it sometimes?

On so many occasions people mean well, but the wrong thing is said that makes your friend feel less supported.

The last thing you want is to convey that their pain isn’t relevant or isn’t that big of a deal.

Have a friend going through a tough time? Here's what NOT to say. Click To Tweet

Here are a few things you don’t want to say to a friend:

• It’s no big deal
• Good things come to those who wait
• Maybe it was meant to be
• There are people out there who have it worse
• Think positive
• Everything will be fine
• Ah, it’ll be okay

The absolutely worst thing you can say… nothing. It’s actually better to say the wrong thing than to avoid your friend in need.

Lastly, don’t give your advice, unless they ask – or you can even say… ‘do you want to vent, or do you want advice?’

Have Some Encouraging Words To Share?

I’d love to hear them. What do you say to a friend who’s suffering and going through a tough time? Let me know in the comments below.

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