LANTERN: Prompt Guide for Being There
A Companion to LANTERN: A Peer-to-Peer Framework for Emotional Support
You don’t need to be a therapist.
You just need to show up with care and a little light.
Why Prompts?
People say “be there” like it’s obvious—but it’s not.
It can feel awkward. Intimidating. Paralyzing.
What if I say the wrong thing?
What if I make it worse?
Prompts are not scripts. They’re starting points.
They lower the emotional barrier.
They give you language to reach across silence.
LANTERN + Prompts
Each LANTERN step is paired with real-world phrases you can say—or adapt—to fit your voice and relationship.
L — Look
Notice changes in energy, presence, or mood.
- “You seem quieter than usual—everything okay?”
- “Have you been sleeping okay?”
- “Is this silence a pause… or a signal?”
A — Ask
Open the door gently but clearly.
- “Want to talk about what’s been on your mind?”
- “I’ve been thinking about you—how are you holding up?”
- “Are you feeling safe lately?”
N — Normalize
Affirm that struggling is part of being human.
- “You’re not weird for feeling this way.”
- “It’s okay to have off days—or off months.”
- “This doesn’t scare me. You’re still you.”
T — Trust
Listen without fixing or judging.
- “I believe you.”
- “Take your time. I’m not going anywhere.”
- “You don’t need to have it all figured out to be heard.”
E — Engage
Stay with them. Don’t disappear too quickly.
- “Want to sit in silence for a bit?”
- “Would company help, or space?”
- “Can I stay nearby, even if you’re not up for talking?”
R — Refer
Offer resources only if welcome. No pressure.
- “Would it help to look up support options together?”
- “I know someone good to talk to, if that feels okay.”
- “No pressure, just options—want to hear them?”
N — Neighbor
Follow up. Keep the door open.
- “Can I check in with you tomorrow?”
- “You’re not a burden. Text me anytime.”
- “I’m still here if you want to talk—or just hang out.”
Self-Reflection for the Supporter
You’re not just helping someone else—you’re growing, too.
- What stops me from asking hard questions?
- Am I trying to help, or trying to fix?
- When has someone “being there” made a difference in my own life?
- What do I need in hard moments?
Remember
- You’re not a therapist.
- You don’t need the right words.
- You just need to be present, patient, and real.
Let LANTERN guide you, not limit you.
Prompts are just ways to reach in without breaking the moment.
Presence is preparedness.
Connection is care.
Let’s carry a little light for each other.
