Everyone has those moments when they need some assistance. Sometimes, it’s as simple as lending a hand to move some furniture around. For others, it’s more serious, with emotional turmoil making every day a struggle. As a friend, you want to be there no matter the severity, but it can often be challenging to help someone struggling with emotional pain. You don’t know what is too much or too little, and while you want to be there, you might feel your words are not doing what you intend.
Don’t Talk, Just Listen
When someone is in need, you often feel the need to talk to them and answer everything they say. However, sometimes people just want to vent. They don’t want you to solve their problems. They want you to know what they are going through. They need you to know the facts.
Most of the time, all you need to do is be there with them and listen. You only need to respond if they ask for you to do so. It’s natural to feel like you’re having a conversation, but you shouldn’t force yourself to say something, especially if you don’t know what to say, anyway.
Little Gestures
Every day can be a struggle for people struggling with issues ranging from anxiety to depression and burnout, so consider offering a helping hand with little gestures. They7 may not seem like much, but something as simple as picking dinner up from the store on your way over or taking the dog for a walk will help immeasurably.
It can feel like a lot of pressure to do things when someone is not feeling themselves, so knowing they have a reliable support network around them can ease this pressure and give them one less thing to think about.
Give Them Space
You need to understand that everyone needs space, so while it’s good to be there for them, it’s equally important to leave them to themselves when they need it.
Everyone is different, so while some people need the company of friends to help them cope, others will require the opposite. There is no right way to deal with problems, but there is a right way to respect someone’s wishes, so if they want to be alone, you must give them space.
Gently Suggest Other Treatment Methods
You can’t go in all guns blazing and tell your friend or relative that this is what they should do. Still, if you can tell they are suffering from specific issues, you can gently encourage or suggest other treatment methods, especially if they have not explored any yet.
Places such as the Renaissance Recovery Center are ideal for substance abuse issues, whereas general counseling can help people overcome a range of mental health issues. However, they need to want to get better, and this can often be the most challenging battle of all.
A Friend in Need
As a friend or relative, you want to be there no matter what. With these ideas, you can provide support for those in need, both close by and from afar. Hopefully, they will take your assistance on board and start their journey towards getting better.
