Neymar hinted earlier this week that the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar could be his last for Brazil as the former Barcelona forward doubts he will have the mental fortitude to compete at the highest level one more time.
Silva and Neymar have played together for over a decade for the Brazil national team and the pair were once club mates at PSG.
Silva intends to draw inspiration from his own low moments to help Neymar come through a difficult period.
"Here at the national team, I have gone through some moments that are very similar [with what Neymar is going through], especially after the 2014 World Cup," Silva told reporters.
"I was called a crybaby, weak, very weak, mentally. These are things that hurt you and you know that you are not what you have been called.
"I hope he doesn't lose his joy, continues to be happy the way he always is. He is a very special kid and, when he's happy, doing what he loves, he delivers."
In an Instagram story, Silva added: "If you need someone strong to be by your side, know that I will always be there. The Silva family love you."
Neymar has already played at two world cups for the Selecao, helping them reach the semi-final stage on home soil in 2014 before a quarterfinal exit at the hands of Belgium in Russia four years later.
