Supporting our Loved Ones Mental Health

Sometimes we just have those days.  Everybody does.  Life is a beautiful thing, but sometimes it just gets hard.  There will be great days, and there will be low days.  Although we are all strong individuals that are so worthy of living an amazing life, we tend to forget that the tough times make us stronger.  So, how can I comfort my loved ones when he/she is down?

            This is a question that I feel like many want to ask, but are too afraid .  We think that since we care about this person, we should know everything about them and know the secret to keeping them happy.  However, this is not the case.  Moods can come from situation factors, and they can also vary from person to person.  No two people are exactly the same.  Just because you need a person to give you advice, doesn’t mean “Alice” needs/wants that too.

            I always think a good way to confront situations is to ask the person if they would like someone to listen to them or if they need advice.  This one question has the potential to prevent arguments, frustration, and everything in between.  Sometimes people just want to vent and get things off their chest.  By trying to give advice back, it could seem like you’re telling them what to do; and that can be frustrating.

            This is not to say that giving advice isn’t always necessary.  Sometimes a person wants guidance to gain knowledge on potential solutions to their problem.  With this being said, speaking back to them might be necessary.  When you do this, however, choose your words wisely.  Although things like, “this will get better” or “just try not to think about it,” may be okay for you, some people might look at that as you shrugging off their problems and not really listening.  That leads to them feeling like a burden.  Validating their feelings is a great way to express that you’re listening to them and it’s okay for them to be feeling the way they are.  Saying, “you have every right to feel that way,” is a great way to do this.  Just attempt to put yourself in their shoes and see the situation from their perspective.

            Last but not least, help by being a shoulder to cry on.  Letting your friends know that you’re there for them anytime is a blessing in and of itself.  Remember, do NOT share their feelings with others if they don’t want you to.  Building that trust is a huge deal, and you don’t want to ruin that by gossiping unintentionally.

            In the end, we all just want to be supportive people, and we can do that in so many different ways.  Whether that be by active listening, giving friendly and comforting advice, or just being present and allowing them to know that you’re there.  These tasks will all aid in the health of your relationship.  Hype your friends up, alongside yourself, and the world will remain a happy place.

-Written by Jessica Skrelunas