How to Get Your Friends to Stop Treating You Like a Therapist

The article, “How to Get Your Friends to Stop Treating You Like a Therapist”, written by

Allie Volpe (2020), states ways to avoid feeling burned out and still be the supportive friend

during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sometimes people just need someone willing to listen to their

problems they don't want solutions. Simply listening can be very valuable. This is crucial during

the COVID-19 pandemic because everyone has a different set of problems. Everyone needs time

for themselves, even the therapist friend. Friends may unknowingly vent without considering a

person’s time. It is important to establish boundaries and let people know that one is not

available at all times and needs some space for oneself to avoid this scenario. Moreover, a result

of being empathic to a certain degree can cause a person to collapse. Sometimes people need to

realize they have limited power in someone else’s situations and can’t always solve their

problems. If a friend's mental health is deteriorating, one can suggest they see a mental health

professional who can deal with their mental well-being professionally. Last but not least,

admitting to being overwhelmed by taking in a friend's pain is perfectly normal. Not giving

oneself any personal time or feeling anguished with someone else’s feelings won’t make

someone an effective friend.