"That sucks" may be intended as empathetic, but usually comes off as callous. You might try the combination of [name the feeling] + [broad question], like: "T

"That sucks" may be intended as empathetic, but usually comes off as callous. You might try the combination of [name the feeling] + [broad question], like: "That sounds frustrating. What have you tried to solve that?" or ismply stating the feeling and letting them move towards solution ideas after their feeling has been established, like: "It sounds like this is taking a lot of energy from you." (wait, let them reply) "Can you tell me what you're working through to try to fix this?"