What should I say to a friend who is feeling sad?

My friend is feeling really down, what should I say to them?

It's great that you want to support your friend. You could start by saying, 'I'm here for you. Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?'

What if they don't want to talk?

That's okay! You can let them know that you're there for them regardless. You might say, 'I understand if you don't want to talk right now, but I'm here whenever you need me.'

Should I try to cheer them up with jokes or something?

Humor can be helpful, but it depends on your friend's mood. You could ask, 'Would you like to hear something funny, or would you prefer some quiet time together?'

What if they seem really overwhelmed?

In that case, it's important to listen. You might say, 'It sounds like you're going through a lot. I'm here to listen if you want to share more.'