6 Tricks to Detect When Someone Close to Us Needs Our Help

Discover how to detect situations where your loved ones need your help and attention. Learn to be present and provide them with the support they so greatly need....

Table of Contents

1. 6 keys to discover if someone needs your help
2. Why don’t they ask me for help?
3. How do you know YOU need help?
4. Extra tip: What to do when you find out about the problem?
5. Is it hard for you to approach or are you shy?
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
7. Quick tips to identify if someone needs help

Follow Patricia Alegsa on Pinterest!

In life, we all know people going through tough times. The problem is that detecting when someone needs our help is not always as simple as it seems 🕵️‍♀️.

Right at those moments, your empathy and your ability to observe can make a big difference in the lives of those around you. As a psychologist, I have seen countless times how a small gesture can save someone's day — or even their life. So I want to share with you my best tricks to timely identify if someone close needs a helping hand. Ready to become an emotional superhero? 💪😉

6 keys to discover if someone needs your help

Waiting around for someone to ask for help often doesn’t work. Sometimes those who need it most don’t even realize it or don’t dare to say it. So here are practical tips based on my experience and conversations with psychology colleagues:

• Observe changes in their behavior: If you notice your usually relaxed friend suddenly becoming reserved, or someone cheerful now distant, alert! Something might be wrong and they may need support.



• Pay attention to their sleep and eating habits: If you see someone close not sleeping well or suddenly losing (or gaining) appetite, open your eyes wide. These are often indicators that they are going through a difficult situation.



• Notice their facial expressions and body language: Sad looks, tension in the face, avoiding eye contact… Emotions leak through our pores. Observe, without invading, those signals that sometimes speak louder than words.



• Listen truly: If someone repeats their problems a lot or needs your attention excessively, watch out! Maybe they’re looking for a friendly ear and, without realizing it, are saying “I need to talk.”



• Observe their social habits: If someone stops activities they used to enjoy or avoids friends/family, they are probably going through a tough time. This is when they need company the most even if they don’t say it.



• Trust your intuition: Listen to that gut feeling! If you sense someone is struggling even if they hide it well, approach and offer your help. Your instinct rarely fails.

Do any of these signs sound familiar in someone around you? It has happened to me countless times and believe me, when you pay attention to the details, you can change lives 💚.

Why don’t they ask me for help?

You’ve probably wondered this at some point. There are several reasons:

• They don’t want to bother you with their issues.


• They think their problem “isn’t that serious.”


• They don’t know how to approach and tend to stay silent.


• They feel ashamed to share their difficulties.

A tip would be to break the ice by sharing some vulnerability of your own first. Showing your humanity helps the other person open up and feel accompanied, not judged.

How do you know YOU need help?

We all have those tough moments when we hesitate whether to ask for help or keep silent. Some signs that you should seek support:

• Strong changes in your mood.


• Unexplained physical symptoms (pain, discomfort, insomnia).


• You avoid delicate topics and pretend everything is fine.

Bottling up your problems only makes the snowball bigger. In my practice, I’ve seen people who seemed to have “the perfect life” actually struggling with a lot of loneliness. Don’t be one of them!

Did you know many only show their best face on social media to hide how bad they feel? Don’t believe everything you see on Instagram! 😅

Extra tip: What to do when you find out about the problem?

The first step is done: you listened to the person. Now, what next?

• If the problem has no solution, accompany them and provide emotional support. Being present is often all the other person needs.


• If it’s psychological or medical, encourage them to consult a professional soon. Don’t let time pass.


• In matters of the heart, listen and advise without judging. Don’t underestimate the power of emotional support.

Is it hard for you to approach or are you shy?

Don’t worry! Technology can be your ally. A WhatsApp message reduces pressure and can help the person open up more slowly. But if the issue is delicate, try to arrange a face-to-face talk at some point. Human contact has a magic that chats can’t replace ✨.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

There’s no shame in asking for help, and your problem doesn’t have to be “huge” to deserve support. Talking with someone — a friend, family member, or even a stranger in a forum — can lighten your load.

That said, there’s everything on the internet, so check the credibility of whoever gives you advice.

Want to know more about how to seek help even if it’s hard? Read this article I wrote: Five ways to seek advice from friends and family about a problem but don’t dare.

Quick tips to identify if someone needs help

• Notice sudden mood swings: irritability, deep sadness, loss of energy.


• Listen for negative phrases or lack of self-confidence.


• Be attentive to physical complaints without medical cause (pain, strange discomforts).


• You notice they gave up hobbies or activities they once loved.


• Avoid socializing or contact with others.


• Follow your intuition when you think “something’s not right.”

Remember: every person is a world and not everyone expresses themselves the same way. The best thing you can do is give love, listen without judging, and show willingness to be there. Sometimes just one kindly sincere gesture can be the ray of sunshine on a cloudy day ☀️.

Here’s another useful resource to work on your emotions:
Ways to better express and cope with your feelings and emotions

Are you willing today to look a little further and become that support we all need at some point? 😉

Subscribe to the free weekly horoscope

Aquarius Aries Cancer Capricorn Gemini Leo Libra Pisces Sagittarius Scorpio Taurus Virgo