How to Recognize a Friend in Need

You think you'd be one of the first to know if your friend had a problem. However, some people hide their problems from the people they're closest to. Your friends may not want to burden you with their troubles, but if you're observant, you can recognize a friend in need.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Watch for unusual behavior. If your outgoing friend, the one you party with every week, suddenly doesn't want to go out on a Friday night, take notice. One Friday night might not be any big deal, but if it begins happening frequently, your friend may have a problem he isn't sharing with you.
2. See a beautician. Women who are under unusual amounts of stress or are depressed give up on their appearance. Even if your friend isn't a glamour girl, you may recognize that she needs help by noticing a lack of grooming. If she hasn't seen a beautician in months and is suddenly wearing her hair a lot longer, your friend may be experiencing depression.
3. Look him in the eye. Sometimes recognizing a friend in need is as simple as just looking. If he's lost that glimmer in his eye, if his eyes look dull and flat, he probably needs some help.
4. Pick up the phone. Everyone gets busy at times and falls out of touch with friends. So call your friend if you haven't been in touch in a while. She may need you but be afraid to tell you what's going on in her life. Ask her how she's doing and just listen to what she says. You'll be able to recognize if she is in crisis.