"I find the best way to love someone is not to change them,
but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves."
Steve Maraboli
To be a good listener is the first step in healthy support. If our heart is in the right place, we don't need to understand precisely all of the points of disruption. The speaker is helped just by having us listen without distraction. Be invested with eye contact, lean in, and do not interrupt. It is important for the friend to know we are without judgment and listening as best that we can.
These emotions do not make them a bad person. If they have not taken any actions to display the situation, then no harm. It is in the acting out that generally causes deeper problems. We can encourage a "time out" to allow for a sense of clarity. It can range anywhere from a few seconds with deep breathing, silent prayers or spending lengthier time with trusted friends.
As the designated listener, it is important to wait for the person to reach completion before taking a few minutes for feedback. If appropriate, clasp hands or embrace. Eye contact is important. Acknowledge the difficult situation, but remind them of their inner kindness and assure them of his or her personal strengths. In the long run, suffering through challenges usually bring us to a better sense of existence.
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