25 Supportive Texts To Send Someone Who’s Stressed Out

If someone in your life needs a lot of extra attention right now — maybe because they keep getting sucked into stressful family arguments, and really need to vent about it — this will be the best text to send.

"It's a simple, affirming reminder that the person is on your mind and that you are truly available to listen and offer support," Manly says. And that can come as a huge relief, especially if they feel like their problems are pushing people away.

Pizza, morning runs... these may be your go-to ways of combatting stress. But it's important to remember that not everyone reacts to stress in the same way, Dr. Josh Klapow, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist, tells Bustle.

Your friend might prefer to stay in and watch movies, as a way to unwind. Or they might even want to be left alone! Support them by asking and finding out exactly what they might need from you, so you can be as helpful as possible.

That said, if you think this person is too stressed to ask for help, don't hesitate to offer a suggestion. Mull over various relaxing options, like meeting up for coffee or tea, and then send along one concrete plan, Manly says. That way, all they have to do is show up.

This text is a simple way to validate the other person's experience, Klapow says, and show they're on your mind — without adding to their overwhelm or making them feel as if they need to respond.

It also can help to remind a stressed-out person that it's OK to slow down, to take a break, and to put themselves first, especially if you've spotted a pattern where they're always working late or taking care of others.

"People who are feeling stressed out often sacrifice themselves physically and emotionally," Klapow says, so this text will give them permission to do what they already know they need to do.

Of course, you don't have to make all of your texts about stress. In fact, it can be helpful to talk about something else for a change, including little things that might brighten their day.

"It could be that you heard a song, saw a dog, ran into a mutual acquaintance," Katie Sammann, LMFT-Associate, a licensed therapist, tells Bustle. If you think of them, let them know. Just be sure to keep it positive.

According to Manly, this text can serve as an actionable self-care reminder — one that can instantly provide relief to anyone who's overwhelmed. Send it if you detect someone close to you is spiraling into a stress vortex.

If you're at a loss for what to say, you can always fall back on sending a favorite meme, Sammann says. Pick one that's particularly funny, or one that's a call-back to an inside joke. If they've been stressed out lately, they'll definitely appreciate the laugh.

Coping with stress is hard and it takes up a lot of energy, so let your partner, family member, or friend know you're well aware of what they're going through and that you're proud of them, Sammann says. It sounds so simple but it really can mean a lot.

If you're worried about your texts sounding too vague or non-committal, Sammann says, come through with a specific way you're able to help. Can you pick up a few groceries? Walk their dog? Drop off their mail? Let them know.

If someone's stressed, they may not have the bandwidth to respond to a text. So if it's been a minute and you haven't heard back, follow up and let them know you'll be down to talk whenever they're ready, Beverely Andre, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, tells Bustle.

That way, they know you're there waiting in the wings, but that it's also OK if they can't expend any energy right now coming up with a response.

You can also text and offer to do a phone or Zoom call at a later date, if that feels right. Suggest a time — then sit back and listen to whatever they have to say, without offering advice or passing judgment.

"It'll give them an outlet to vent, to talk about their stress, to process what may be going on," Klapow says. "All of that can be extremely helpful in reducing their feelings of stress."

Stress can make you feel alone, even when you aren't. So go ahead and text a reminder that they're loved and supported, Manly says.

While you'll want to keep the focus on the person who's stressed, it can help to admit you've been there, too — as a way of saying "you're not alone." Because going through challenges in life can be very isolating, Andre says, "it is important to show to your friend that they are part of a supportive community."

According to Kimberly Dwyer, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, connection is everything for people who feel stressed, which is why you'll want to remind your friend that they 1) aren't alone and 2) have social things to look forward to in the future.

Remind them of your upcoming road trip, or anything else you've been planning. It'll provide their brain with a welcome break from mulling over their problems.

As Dwyer says, you might also want to send a non-committal text like this one, as a way of offering support, without adding to a friend's stress.

Simply send the text, set the food (or whatever else) down outside, and go on your merry way. It'll be a godsend for anyone who needs a little love, but you think doesn't want to hang out IRL right now.

Depending on what your loved one is going through, it might help to remind them they won't be this stressed forever, and that there is a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel.

"In the midst of struggle, it can be hard to see the finish line," Darcie Brown, LMFT, a licensed marriage and family therapist, tells Bustle. "This reminder is meant to trigger the positive feelings that there will be an end to this hard time."

If their stress is extra bad enough, they might benefit from finding a therapist, but also might be in a place mentally where doing that research and scheduling an appointment likely feels impossible. So don't hesitate to step up, Brown says, and help them out.

The way you respond to their texts is important, too. Because a stressed-out person might not want advice, as much as they just want to vent. And knowing the difference is key.

As therapist Julia Koerwer, LMSW, tells Bustle, sometimes just saying "that sounds frustrating" is the best way to help them feel seen and understood.

Relationship expert Dr. Brenda Wade suggests sending a text that reminds them of all the times they’ve helped you in the past. “[It] acknowledges that we all have good days and bad days,” she tells Bustle. “In addition, it lets them know they have value.”

Another way to remind them of their success and value is by sending a text that points to a specific thing you love about them. As psychotherapist Kimberly Perlin, MSW, LCSW-C says, “People respond best to positive feedback that is specific.” Say something like “I adore your tenacity” or “The way you handle situations like this is inspiring.”

“Sometimes anxiety blocks our thinking to the extent that we are unable to problem-solve,” says psychologist Dr. Karen Weston. “Frequently, however, the solution to our difficult situation is simple and right at hand.”

To figure it out, send a text and start sussing it out. “Encourage them to identify what they need to reduce or even eliminate their worry,” Weston says. While you don’t have to single-handedly rescue them, knowing that you have their back can be a huge relief.

According to licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Nancy Irwin, validation is everything, so go ahead and agree that what they’re going through really does sound like a lot. Not only will they feel better knowing their struggles are seen and heard, “validating their situation and feelings can help them move through the stress better,” she tells Bustle.

This simple text is another way to show gentle support. “You don’t want to add to their stress by bombarding them,” Irwin says, “but one text here and there can be helpful.” Especially if it’s a cute reminder that they’re the best.

If your loved one has handled a similar situation in the past, remind them that they got through it then, and they'll get through it now, Heather Z. Lyons, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist, tells Bustle.

"Reminding people of their past experiences getting through stressful moments helps trigger their sense of self-efficacy," she says, "or their confidence in their ability to perform a task or manage an experience successfully."