Everyone goes through tough times. No one is immune to suffering, although how people deal with their problems and issues in life can differ from person to person.
One thing that is key throughout anyone’s experience with mental health or struggling with problems is the people around them. Whether you know have a family member, a friend, or colleague going through a bad time, it’s good to be aware of the many ways you can help and support them.
Encouraging and supporting people can be highly valued by the person suffering. The difference you make could be minor or major, but either way, it’s 100% worth it.
The question is: how can you help encourage loved ones or assist with their mental health? Read on to find out how.
Give praise where it is needed
When you introduce someone to another person in your circle, always add a few positive words which reflect praise. It could be something around how they are brilliant at a certain task, something positive about their appearance, or how they have helped you.
When someone hears positive words being spoken about themselves in front of others, it immediately lifts them to a higher place. It can instantly promote feelings of being appreciated and noticed, which can do wonders for a person’s mood for the rest of the day.
Have an open ear
There is nothing more valuable to people than knowing they can talk to someone without being judged, lectured, or disagreed with. For those struggling with mental health or feeling especially low, talking to someone can help them to clear their minds and lift the weights off their shoulders.
Listen to them and reflect on what they are saying, offering advice and support where needed, and working together with the person about why it might be they feel this certain way.
If you find you are quite good at this and have an empathetic ear, it might be worth considering strengthening your skills in this area. More people than ever before are seeking the help of counsellors and therapists to talk through their feelings, working to action plans to help them get back on track. You can find Accredited Counselling Courses online, which can lead to one of the most rewarding careers. The courses are designed to be part-time, so they fit around busy lives and personal/social lives too.
3. Offer practical help
When you know someone is struggling or is going through a period of hurt, sometimes the best action is to be upfront about what you can do. Offer up practical help by asking “what can I do to help you here?”, or when someone is feeling discouraged, start by saying “Would it help if I…”
Sometimes people who are going through bad times find it hard to ask people for help, but if you do the practical side for them, it may mean a lot to them.
4. Celebrate small victories
People feel more uplifted and appreciated when others celebrate their successes with them. In today’s competitive world, this doesn’t happen as often as it should, and it can lead others to feel disheartened.
Whether in the workplace, with your family or in your friendship circles, start making celebrations more regular part across your relationships. It could be as small as treating the other person to a well-earned coffee, taking the time to make a congratulatory phone call, or even just a high-five or a little well-done card to notice someone’s achievements. The little actions can make a huge difference in the way someone feels.
There are so many ways you can help with encouraging people and assisting them with their battles regarding mental health. The power of presence is one of the main things – just by someone else knowing you are there can be the biggest starting point.
Put yourself in another person’s shoes and ask what you would want from everyone else to encourage you, and act accordingly.
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