As an important person in your friend’s life, you’re actually in a position to express your concern for them in a way that can hear. However, instead of telling your friend what you think they’re struggling with, you might find it more helpful to ask them how they’re doing. You don’t want to misdiagnose your friend, and you don’t want to be insensitive at the same time. Most of the time when you are present and actually listening, people will open up to you beyond your expectations. Don’t start by suggesting therapy for them. You can start by saying how You’ve noticed that they’ve m been more stressed than normal. Ask if everything is okay with them. Since mental health still has a stigma, it’s possible they won’t respond well or might feel anxious talking about it. If so, you can also approach the issue from the other side, asking questions that might lead to a discussion about it. You might do this by telling your friend how you’ve missed them at social gatherings lately. Or by sharing how you relate to what they’ve been going through and what’s helped you. Or, offer your support and point out some behaviors you might have noticed that are spurring the conversation. Your discussion should make the person feel like you see and hear them. Make them feel validated.