Are You a Strong Friend? How to Support Yourself While Supporting Others
Being the "strong friend" is often seen as a badge of honor. You’re the one everyone turns to for support, advice, and comfort. You listen with empathy, offer encouragement, and make everyone around you feel safe. But what happens when you’re the one in need of support? How do you navigate your role as a strong friend while also taking care of yourself?
The Burden of Being the Strong Friend
As an anxiety therapist in Florida, I’ve worked with many clients who are the “strong friend.” They’re the ones everyone relies on, but who’s there for them when they need support? Over time, the emotional labor of always being the one to provide support can take a toll on your mental health. This can lead to burnout, isolation, and feelings of resentment. If you’ve ever felt emotionally drained after being there for others, you’re not alone.
Set Boundaries to Protect Your Mental Health
One of the most important things you can do as a strong friend is to set boundaries. It’s easy to feel obligated to always be there for everyone, but constantly overextending yourself can lead to emotional exhaustion.
Why boundaries matter: Boundaries protect your time, energy, and emotions. Without them, you risk burnout.
How to set boundaries: Be honest with your friends about your limits. It’s okay to say no or to take time for yourself when you need it.
When you set healthy boundaries, you create space for self-care and maintain a balance between helping others and preserving your own mental health.
Prioritize Self-Care: Make Time for You
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. As a trauma therapist in Florida, I encourage all my clients to practice self-care regularly. If you’re always focused on supporting others, it can be easy to neglect your own needs. But when you neglect self-care, it becomes harder to be there for others in a healthy way.
Here are some self-care ideas that can help you recharge:
Therapy: Speaking with a licensed therapist can provide valuable emotional support and offer strategies for managing stress and anxiety.
Physical activity: Exercise, even a short walk, can boost your mood and reduce anxiety.
Mindfulness or meditation: These practices can help you stay grounded and reduce stress.
Hobbies: Engaging in something you love can bring joy and help you unwind.
When you prioritize your well-being, you’re in a better position to be a strong friend without feeling depleted.
Recognize Your Needs: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Being the strong friend doesn’t mean you have to do it all alone. Recognizing when you need support is a crucial step in maintaining your mental health. As an anxiety therapist in Florida, I often work with clients who have trouble asking for help. Whether it’s reaching out to your support system or talking to a therapist, it’s okay to seek assistance when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Ways to ask for support:
Share how you’re feeling with a trusted friend or family member.
Seek professional help through therapy for high-functioning anxiety or other emotional challenges.
Join a support group where others understand what you're going through.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. It’s important to remember that you deserve the same care and support you give to others.
Let Go of Guilt: Self-Care Is Not Selfish
It’s natural to feel guilty about prioritizing your own needs, especially when others depend on you. But self-care is essential to your well-being. You cannot pour from an empty cup. By taking care of yourself, you ensure you have the energy and emotional strength to continue supporting others without sacrificing your own health.
Takeaway: You Deserve Support Too
It’s great to be the strong friend, but remember—you are human, and you deserve support too. Setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and asking for help will help you maintain a balance that benefits both you and the people you care about.
If any of this resonates, I’d love to help! I offer free consultations for women in Florida. Click here to book your intro call and take the first step towards feeling supported while supporting others.
- Jade Staubs, LCSW | J Therapy FL - Licensed therapist and your biggest supporter
Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice. If you are struggling with emotional or mental health concerns, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional for support.