We all go through tough times. Whether it’s a personal loss, a stressful situation at work, or a difficult period in their life, there are moments when the people we care about need our support.
But knowing what to say when someone is struggling can be tricky. You want to be there for them, but the fear of saying the wrong thing can hold you back.
In this blog post, I’ll dive into what you can say to someone who is having a hard time. It’s all about showing empathy, offering comfort, and sometimes, just letting them know that you’re there to listen.
These words can make a huge difference, and I’m here to guide you through 35 unique phrases you can use, along with some do’s and don’ts to help you approach these delicate moments with confidence.
So, if you’ve ever found yourself unsure of how to support a friend, family member, or colleague who’s going through a tough time, this article is for you. Keep reading to discover phrases that are thoughtful, compassionate, and sure to provide comfort.
1. Comforting Words for Immediate Support
When someone is in the midst of a difficult moment, they might not need advice right away. Often, the best thing to do is simply offer comfort and validation. Here are a few phrases that can help:
| Phrase | Why It Helps | Example Situation |
| “I’m here for you.” | Simple and direct reassurance. | When a friend loses a pet. |
| “That sounds really tough, I’m so sorry you’re going through this.” | Acknowledges their pain and shows empathy. | After someone loses a loved one. |
| “You don’t have to go through this alone.” | Offers solidarity and companionship. | A friend struggling with mental health. |
| “It’s okay to feel this way.” | Normalizes their emotions and takes the pressure off. | When someone feels overwhelmed by stress. |
These words are impactful because they make the person feel seen and heard. They help to create a safe space for expressing emotions without judgment.
2. Empathy and Understanding: Saying What They Need to Hear
Sometimes, what someone needs most when they’re struggling is empathy—a genuine sense that you understand their feelings. The following phrases can convey that empathy:
| Phrase | Why It Helps | Example Situation |
| “I can’t imagine how hard this must be, but I’m here to listen if you want to talk.” | Acknowledges their pain while offering an open ear. | When someone is going through a breakup. |
| “I know it’s tough, but I believe in you and your strength.” | Offers encouragement without dismissing the difficulty. | When someone faces a tough job situation. |
| “It’s okay to take your time to heal. You don’t have to rush.” | Encourages patience and self-compassion. | When someone is grieving. |
| “I may not have the right words, but I want you to know I care.” | Acknowledges that you don’t have all the answers but still want to be supportive. | After a friend receives bad news. |
Empathy shows that you’re not minimizing their struggle. It allows them to feel understood, and that, in itself, can be incredibly healing.
3. Words of Encouragement and Positivity
At times, people just need a little encouragement to help them keep going. These phrases can inspire hope and give them the strength to move forward:
| Phrase | Why It Helps | Example Situation |
| “You are stronger than you think, and I’m proud of how far you’ve come.” | Reminds them of their inner strength. | When someone is facing a difficult challenge at work. |
| “This is just a chapter in your story, and it will pass.” | Encourages perspective and hope. | When someone faces a personal setback. |
| “I know you can get through this, even though it’s hard right now.” | A message of resilience and determination. | After a friend receives disappointing news. |
| “Take things one day at a time, you don’t have to have it all figured out today.” | Offers a practical and comforting way to approach challenges. | When someone is feeling overwhelmed by life. |
These words are meant to help them see the light at the end of the tunnel, reminding them that their current pain won’t last forever.
4. Listening and Offering Space for Expression
Sometimes, the most comforting thing you can do is just listen. These phrases provide the space for someone to share their thoughts and emotions:
| Phrase | Why It Helps | Example Situation |
| “If you want to talk, I’m here to listen.” | Gives them permission to share without pressure. | When someone is dealing with family issues. |
| “You don’t have to say anything, but I’m here if you need me.” | Offers unconditional support, even if they’re not ready to talk. | When a friend is dealing with anxiety. |
| “Tell me more about how you’re feeling.” | Encourages them to express their emotions. | When someone is struggling to process a difficult event. |
| “I don’t have any answers, but I’ll listen to whatever you need to say.” | Acknowledges that listening is enough. | When a colleague is overwhelmed by work stress. |
Offering the space to talk can be more helpful than offering any advice. People need to feel heard, and just showing up to listen can be a huge comfort.
5. Phrases for Offering Help and Practical Support
Sometimes, actions speak louder than words. Offering concrete help can be an incredibly supportive gesture when someone is struggling:
| Phrase | Why It Helps | Example Situation |
| “Is there anything I can do to help right now?” | Shows willingness to assist in practical ways. | When someone is recovering from surgery. |
| “Let me know if you need anything—anything at all.” | Reassures them that you’re there to help with whatever they need. | When a friend is dealing with financial stress. |
| “I can help you with [specific task], just let me know how I can assist.” | Offers specific help, making it easier for them to accept. | When someone is overwhelmed with household chores. |
| “Would you like me to pick up some groceries or run an errand for you?” | A practical offer of assistance. | After a friend has had a rough week. |
By offering help, you’re showing that you want to alleviate their burden in a tangible way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Offering Support
While it’s great to want to comfort someone, there are a few mistakes that can unintentionally make things worse. Here’s what you should avoid:
1. Minimizing Their Feelings
Phrases like “It’s not that bad” or “It could be worse” might feel comforting to you, but they can make the person feel invalidated. It’s important to acknowledge their pain rather than minimize it.
2. Offering Unsolicited Advice
While advice can be helpful, offering solutions when someone just needs to vent can be frustrating. Instead, let them share first before offering guidance.
3. Trying to Fix Everything
Sometimes, we feel like we need to solve the problem for the person, but not everything needs fixing. Allow them to go through their feelings without rushing to “make things better.”
Conclusion
Supporting someone who’s going through a hard time can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. By using the right words, you can provide comfort, offer encouragement, and let them know they are not alone in their struggles.
Whether it’s through empathy, offering practical help, or just listening, your words matter. Remember, it’s not always about finding the perfect phrase—it’s about showing up and being there for someone who needs it most.
If you’ve ever struggled with knowing what to say, I hope these 35 unique phrases give you the guidance you need. Don’t be afraid to reach out to those you care about, even if it’s just to say, “I’m here for you.”
FAQs
1. What’s the best thing to say when someone is grieving?
When someone is grieving, simple, empathetic phrases like “I’m so sorry for your loss” or “I can’t imagine how hard this must be” are supportive without being overwhelming.
2. How can I offer help without making it feel like a burden?
Be specific in your offer, like “Would you like me to pick up your groceries?” or “I’m free tomorrow if you need someone to talk to.”
3. Should I offer advice when someone is struggling?
Only offer advice if they ask for it. Otherwise, focus on listening and offering your presence as support.
4. What if the person doesn’t want to talk?
Respect their space but let them know you’re there whenever they’re ready to talk. A simple “I’m here if you need me” can be enough.
5. How do I know if I’m saying the right thing?
Trust your empathy. If your words come from a genuine place of care and concern, they’re likely to be helpful.
