Please encourage her to seek help from a mental health professional or a trusted adult who can provide personalized guidance. Here are some steps she might consider:
Reach out to someone trustworthy: Urge your friend to talk to someone she trusts, such as another family member, a teacher, a school counselor, or a friend's parent. Sharing her experiences with someone can provide emotional support and possibly help her find a solution.
Educate herself about mental abuse: Understanding what constitutes mental abuse can be empowering. Many resources, websites, and books are available that can help her recognize the signs and understand the impact of mental abuse.
Maintain boundaries: Encourage your friend to set boundaries with her parents if she feels comfortable doing so. This could involve calmly expressing her feelings and telling them what behavior is hurtful. However, keep in mind that setting boundaries can be challenging and may not always be safe, depending on the situation.
Build a support network: Help your friend connect with supportive friends, family members, or community groups. Having people who care about her and can offer assistance or a safe space to talk can be invaluable.
Seek professional help: If the situation becomes too overwhelming or dangerous, she should consider seeking help from a mental health professional or counselor. They can provide guidance and support to cope with the emotional challenges.
Contact authorities if necessary: In severe cases of abuse where your friend's safety is at risk, she might need to involve authorities like child protective services or the police. This is a serious step and should only be taken if her safety is in immediate danger.
Document incidents: If your friend decides to seek help, it might be helpful for her to keep a record of abusive incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions. This documentation can be valuable if she needs to involve authorities or seek legal assistance.
Know her rights: Understanding her rights and protections under the law can be essential. Encourage her to learn about the legal options available to her in her country or region.
Remember, this is just general advice, and each situation is unique. Encourage your friend to talk to a professional who can offer personalized guidance and support based on her specific circumstances.