When someone you care about is going through a hard time, simply being present and willing to listen is often more valuable than having the right advice. Ask open questions, like how they're really doing, and give them space to answer without rushing to fix things.
Avoid dismissing their feelings, even if the situation seems manageable from the outside — what matters is how it feels to the person experiencing it. Phrases like 'I'm here' and 'that sounds really hard' go further than trying to convince someone to feel differently.
Practical support matters too: helping with a chore, sitting with them, or simply checking in regularly can ease the load in ways that are easy to overlook.
If someone talks about feeling hopeless, wanting to disappear, or not wanting to be here anymore, take it seriously. Stay with them if you can, encourage them to talk to a health worker or counsellor as soon as possible, and don't leave them alone if you're worried about their immediate safety. Caring for someone's mental health is not something you have to handle alone — local clinics and community health workers can point you toward further support.