what to say to someone who is struggling

But in response, many of you asked what you should say to someone with an eating disorder, and rightfully so. Acceptance. Eleanor made a super graphic about this over in the post of the 64 Worst Things Ever Said to a Griever , so make sure you check that out if you missed it. Just as someone who is depressed can't force their brain to make more serotonin, they also can't just "decide" to be happy. What to Say to a Friend Leaving for Rehab. 10 Things to Say to a Suicidal Person : Speaking of Suicide Any phrase that begins with the words, "At least…". What To Say When Someone Is Struggling With Mental Illness 01"Hey baby, I know you are going through a difficult time in your career. JAN. 11, 2021. Have you talked to your doctor about this?". When people make statements like this, it can downplay the severity of . I just wanted to tell you that I believe in you, and you should keep up the hard work.". What to say when a friend is struggling with her weight Close to 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese—chances are that you know someone who struggles with her weight. "I'm able to do this for you now; when you are able, I hope you'll pass it on by helping someone who needs it.". 9 Watch out for suicide warning signs. what to say to someone who is going through a hard time ... Being There: What to Say and Do in the Aftermath of Loss Approaching a family member or friend struggling with alcoholism can be delicate. The present lockdown has been difficult for everyone, but it has been extra tough for many people. What to Say to Someone Who Is Depressed What to Say to Someone Who's Stressed During a Tragedy Tragedy strikes often at unexpected times, leaving people struggling to pick up the pieces. Some of the more common signs that someone is struggling include: Avoiding people, places, or activities that could remind them of the traumatic event (s) Trouble sleeping or nightmares. It takes a toll physically and emotionally.It's often stigmatized.But perhaps one of the biggest struggles for those who suffer is the feeling that no one else in the world can truly understand what they're going through. The idea of an invisible virus claiming thousands of lives is taking a toll on a major portion of the population. 1. If you know someone struggling to conceive a child, the tone and terminology you use can have a profound and long-lasting impact on how they feel, on the choices they make, and on their outcomes. 18 things to say when someone's separated or getting divorced. That said, there are a few guidelines to consider. I am here with you. What not to say: "Stop feeling sorry for yourself." There is a HUGE difference in feeling sorry for yourself and struggling with depression. 3. "If there is anything I can do, please let me know. You can also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for advice. Sometimes it's hard to know what to say. Say something like, "I know you're having such a hard time with this," or "I'm sorry you're hurting so much." Also affirm that you hear what they're saying by saying it back to them in your own words. Center the need of the person coming out to you: ask how you can support them at this time, "If you have a different name or pronouns you'd like me to use . Do your research. So, here are a few phrases to avoid saying when someone you care about is hurting: 1. They remember your kindness . I'm willing to help in any way." Offer silence. "I'm here for you. Lack of coping skills around day-to-day problems or extreme reactions to certain situations Extreme highs, referred to as mania, that may include rushed thoughts, bursts of energy, sleeplessness and compulsive behavior (like excessive spending or promiscuous sexual behavior) Severe anxiety or stress I am so sorry you are struggling and I want you to know that you can share your pain with me. A heartfelt "I'm sorry" goes a long way. 5. Here are 10 things you should say to those struggling with their mental health. Perhaps you have a bed, couch, or mattress so that your friend can stay over for a little while - even if it's just a weekend. We're going to fight this together." Maybe your friend's child is the one suffering or being treated at a rehabilitation center: You might say, "I care about you and am here to listen if you need to talk." 1. I will be your friend regardless of your illness. I hope this is obvious, but, "At least you know you can get a job" is not a helpful response when someone is struggling after being fired. Trouble concentrating as their minds wander easily. If someone's stressed, they may not have the bandwidth to respond to a text. Depression has a way of being an all-consuming, monster of a battle. $5, 417Press. 1. 6 Guide the person to a mental health professional. Many people who struggle with their mental health already feel a baseline level of guilt for being a drag on other people's time, energy and mental space. They want to know their child meant something to others who knew and loved them. Keep in touch with them and see if their needs change. And if you say these words, make sure you mean them, and support them through thick and thin. It's normal to be afraid you might say the wrong thing, or to feel uncomfortable being present when someone else is struggling. In this verse, Paul had assurance that God, Who "began a good work in" Timothy . If you notice that a student is struggling emotionally, there are ways to help. Likewise, there's a good chance that you don't want to say the wrong thing. 10. However well-intentioned, these general offers to help rarely work. Sometimes, finding the right words to say to a sad friend is tough. 2. Alcoholics in active addiction tend to be defensive of their actions, and even more so when someone confronts them about those actions and the role that alcohol plays. Read up about infertility, and possibly treatments or other family building options your friend is considering, so that you are informed when your friend needs to talk. I wish I could take this pain away. We've rounded up 26 cards, ranging from humorous to sentimental to totally blunt, to help you show support for a family member, friend or partner struggling with infertility. Matthew Sleeth, MD - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian living, and faith. These responses are more supportive and likely to encourage your loved one or friend to open up to you. Letting them know that they are an important person in your life can mean a lot when someone is struggling with feelings of depression and worthlessness. However you feel, checking in with your friend can change the stigma and isolation associated with addiction. Just saying, "I am so sorry you are struggling. What to do when someone says something hurtful. 4 Acknowledge the other person's emotions. "Asking for help is a sign of strength. I know your chronic illness is unpredictable, but my support for you isn't. Please let me help you during your good days and bad days. H ere are ten great Bible verses to text to a friend who is struggling.. 1) Philippians 1:6 "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." When the Apostle Paul says that he is sure of something, we might want to underscore what that is. A person with depression shares seven helpful things people can say to someone struggling with their mental health. What they remember most is the intent behind the words. Even if you're just down the road, your place could provide the change of scenery your friend needs. "This will pass." The clouded judgment which comes with mental health problems can render those who suffer blind . 10. "I'm here for you." Show up for your loved ones and remain by their side as they go through this process. Whenever you want to talk, I'll listen — I'm just a call or a text away.". Make sure to give your friend an out for anything that might cost money. Learning how to speak around a friend who you know struggles or has struggled with an eating disorder or body image is a process. What not to say: "Stop feeling sorry for yourself." There is a HUGE difference in feeling sorry for yourself and struggling with depression. Let's get into what you need to know! 1 Allow them to say "no, thanks.". People may shy away from saying, "I'm sorry" in response to someone's misfortune because it might not feel like enough of an acknowledgment. 9 Ways to Ease the Pain of Someone Who is Struggling Financially. When someone you care about is grieving after a loss, it can be difficult to know what to say or do. People who have been through difficult situations often say they don't remember specific words and sentiments. Resources. I hope this information is helpful to you and, by extension, to your friends. "It means a lot to know that your friend is aware and thinking about you," says Miller. When someone's struggling, it can be useful for them to have a change of scenery. A crowd of concerned people wanted to rescue him. It's ridiculous. If the person is embarrassed or does not want to accept your gift, say, "Someone helped me when I was having money problems, and I promised to pass on the favor." (If this is indeed true. I will be your friend regardless of your illness. The ways people experience anxiety can vary so widely depending on factors like their specific diagnosis, personality, life experiences, the kind of day they're having, and more. The best thing you can do is let your infertile friends know that you care. If they don't seem receptive . Listen and be sensitive to the person's cues. If you're struggling to find the right words, here are 12 kind things to say to someone with cancer: 1. 02"Honey, life is not always easy. Recurring distressing memories of an event or series of events. 8 If possible, offer to help with daily tasks. "I am so sorry for your loss" is a good example. We want to reach out. However, you should still support them through these messages. Or, you might be the right person to say something to one friend or family member, but the wrong person to say it to another. Say something like, "I know you're having such a hard time with this," or "I'm sorry you're hurting so much." Also affirm that you hear what they're saying by saying it back to them in your own words. As the title says, I'd really like to hear from others about what the best approach/thing to say might be for those who are self harming. It can support, comfort, encourage and sometimes even save a life. You can meet these needs in the following ways: Offer sincere condolence. TRY THIS: "I want you to know I'm in this with you. In the past I have looked up the best words to say to those who've miscarried, or had a loved one commit suicide - and also what not to say. Hard times, health, loss of a job, divorce, abuse, financial burdens…the list is endless when it comes to personal struggle. When we asked our Activists and other young people what things they find unhelpful to hear at Christmas, and what they would rather hear instead, we got lots of responses, which just goes to show that if you are struggling with your mental health during the holidays, you are not alone. Or childcare. As much as you might be trying to motivate someone, this can be debilitating. It can be hard to know what to say if someone you love is experiencing postpartum depression (PPD). I am so sorry you are struggling and I want you to know that you can share your pain with me. If You Suspect a Friend or Loved One is Thinking of Suicide. Thank them for sharing, and thank them for trusting you enough to share. What to Say. For those struggling with mental health, much of what's been discussed will sound familiar. There's another important burden you can remove from their plate: Having to teach you about mental illness. The problem is finding the words. What to Say to Someone in Rehab. It's not easy knowing what to say to someone when they're struggling with a condition like depression or overwhelming anxiety.In some ways it's like talking with someone who lost a loved one -- we want to be supportive, but we're afraid we'll say the wrong thing. "Maybe someone knew her mom was generous and clever but didn't know she was the kind of doctor who . Looking for ideas of ways to encourage/comfort/support them in two scenarios: 1. either catching them engaging in SH or 2. what to say just to them when they're having urges or struggling. Here are some things you shouldn't say to someone who has depression: 1. How can we show th. If not, just say this last part.) Only say something if it feels like it makes sense in the situation, and always be genuine and keep an open mind. This is a painful and very real affliction for many women and can affect not only the mothers but also loved ones close to them. When people make statements like this, it can downplay the severity of . When someone you know and care about is struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue, it can be tricky to know what to say. People assume that people with depression don't get better because they enjoy feeling the way they do. But we're worried we'll do or say the wrong thing. Empathy. So if it's been a minute and you haven't heard back, follow up and let them know you'll be down to talk whenever they . How do you respond when someone is struggling? Chances are, if you're not an alcoholic yourself, it's not easy to determine what to say to someone who struggles with addiction — whether they are in recovery or not. Advertisement. By Katherine Ponte, JD, MBA, CPRP. 10 Things Not to Say to a Suicidal Person. ; Offer to be an exercise buddy, if you know they're trying to lose weight: Sometimes women (and men) need to lose weight to make treatments more effective. "Only you can push yourself to feel better.". You want these people to know you're there for them, even if all you can do is offer some small degree of comfort. It's not always easy to know what to say when someone shares their darkest moments or struggles with mental illness, but here are a few examples: "That must be hard for you." "I'm so sorry you're going through this." "It sounds like you're really struggling." "I hear you." "I'm here for you." Compassion. How to Help Someone Struggling With Infertility . Few people like asking for assistance, and in the immediate aftermath of loss, people struggle to name what they need. If people are lacking in motivation (which people struggling with their mental health often tend to be), telling someone that only they can change their future can possibly have a negative impact on their recovery . Etsy. Don't Oversimplify. Don't wait for someone to tell you how you can help. When a friend or family member opens up to us about something tough they're going through it can be really hard to know what to do or say. Thanks for helping! They were standing at the edge of the water, each of them urgently shouting out to him: "Give me your hand, give me your hand!" The man was battling the waves and ignored their urgent plea. The important people in your life will sometimes experience challenges and heartbreaks. If someone you care about is struggling with recovery, or needs treatment, we're here to help. We'd love to hear how you're coping during the . Often, they also feel isolated and alone in their grief, since the intense pain and difficult emotions can make people . Your well-meaning exhortations to "cheer up" or "smile" may feel friendly and supportive to you, but they oversimplify the feelings of sadness associated with depression. To Say: Let them know that you care. Telling your boyfriend that you believe in him will give him the confidence to get through a particularly tough time. It's difficult to know how to respond when your loved one has lost the ability to control their drinking, or their excessive alcohol use has transformed them into an entirely different person.As much as you may want to help them, you may fear causing a rift in your relationship by calling attention to the . Unsplash photo via Priscilla Du Preez. The following are things to say and ways to help your friend or loved one suffering from PPD: 1. When someone is struggling, we might be at a loss for how to help. Tell Them You Understand (If You Really Do) Before you tell someone "I understand," you should be certain that you actually do. 5 Tell them you are there to support them. What to say to someone who is emotionally struggling? 3 Listen more often than you speak. I want to speak honestly, say that I don't understand fully but I'm beside them. Just as someone who is depressed can't force their brain to make more serotonin, they also can't just "decide" to be happy. Even if you're offering a free activity, sometimes it costs them gas money they don't have to make it work. Here's what to say to someone who can't get pregnant. But Miller says a genuine "I'm sorry" can go a long way to make your friend feel heard and validated. If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources. Attend difficult appointments with them: Whether they'd like you to just sit in the waiting room or come in and hold their hand. Saying the right thing to someone struggling with mental illness can be incredibly powerful. Say These Words to Help Your Struggling Adult Child Succeed Retiring from the parental SWAT team and becoming an empowering coach. "Let me know if there's anything I can do." "Don't hesitate to call if you need anything.". DO read up on what they're struggling with. You will have heard some of the well-meaning but unhelpful advice and suggestions and felt hurt by their implications. 5 Encouraging Things To Say To Someone Struggling Emotionally This Holiday . This is a lot right now. $5, 417Press. Since I started to compile scripture and then posting verses here on Journey Thoughts to give encouragement to those who need peace, or those who are under stress, I have received numerous emails from people around the world who are facing all kinds of struggle. Act interested. It's normal to not want to bother someone. It's defined as the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of trying to conceive, and six months if the woman is over the age of 35, according to the Department of Health. It's not always easy to sympathize during times like these, especially if you haven't experienced a tragedy of your own. Ultimately, it's important to remember that pain doesn't discriminate, and listening is a powerful tool. As an educator, we know that you want to support your students' mental health and emotional well-being but you might not always know how. I know your chronic illness is unpredictable, but my support for you isn't. Please let me help you during your good days and bad days. If you have no idea how to talk to your loved one, you're not alone. As a family member, friend, or even colleague, you'll likely want to let these people know you care for them when they're struggling. I don't know what to say, but I am here for you. "Depression is a real health issue that can be treated. 7 In any way you can, help them go to treatment. "You shouldn't say to people who are struggling, I have a great therapist, take their number," says Luoise Chunn, founder of psychotherapist-finding site Welldoing.org "Finding a therapist is an . It's ok if you don't feel like being strong today. If you know someone struggling to conceive a child, the tone and terminology you use can have a profound and long-lasting impact on how they feel, on the choices they make, and on their outcomes. Offer open-ended support. Here, we figure out exactly what — and what not — to say to someone who may be going through it. The bereaved struggle with many intense and painful emotions, including depression, anger, guilt, and profound sadness. Overwhelming guilt or shame. Here are twenty helpful things you can say to hold space for someone who is struggling with anxiety. A saintly man walked up to the . This will pass. A Letter to Those Struggling with Mental Illness. If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or reach the Crisis Text Line by texting "START" to 741741. "Some people . I have previously written about what not to say to someone who has an eating disorder. Don't Oversimplify. Etsy. Your well-meaning exhortations to "cheer up" or "smile" may feel friendly and supportive to you, but they oversimplify the feelings of sadness associated with depression. I may not understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.". Call us at 800.760.3934 and speak to one of our highly trained admission specialists today. "I'd be glad to check your house/apartment for you while you're gone.". . Congratulate the person; Say "Mazel Tov!". It is imperative to support someone who is struggling with their mental health and work towards making them feel better about everything. You may not know the best encouraging words for someone in rehab. Support. Too many people don't know what to say to us, so . It's ridiculous. Posted June 7, 2020 | Reviewed by Gary Drevitch 7 Things Not to Say to Someone Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts,Dr. I'm here for you, and I'm not going anywhere. "I'm thinking about you.". Or, you can fill out this form for a FREE assessment . Students are struggling with their mental health more than ever. People assume that people with depression don't get better because they enjoy feeling the way they do. 10 Things to Say to a Suicidal Person. 2. Read on for helpful things to say to . 6 Better Things To Say To A Struggling Friend Than 'Let Me Know If I Can Do Anything' By . 5 Encouraging Things To Say To Someone Struggling Emotionally This Holiday . This is probably a big step towards living a more authentic life. What to say to someone who is emotionally struggling? If you've just learned that a friend is leaving for rehab or addiction treatment, here's a few lines you can use if you get tongue-tied: "I hope you get better soon.". Someone you love is struggling with addiction. The path to becoming a parent isn't always easy. "At least he lived as long as he did" is not the thing . Being able to open up without feeling judged, gives relief and establishes trust — and that's the best gift you can give someone who's struggling. He kept going under and was clearly struggling to take another breath. It's much easier to lose weight when you have a buddy working out with you. Is thinking of Suicide right thing to someone struggling emotionally this Holiday I just wanted tell! To... < /a > 5 notice that a student is struggling with mental illness can be hard to what. Way you can do, please let me know that you care many intense and painful,... Mean them, and you should still support them through thick and thin this: & ;., make sure to give your friend regardless of your illness save a life this verse Paul! You believe in him will give him the confidence to get through a particularly tough time him the confidence get!, anger what to say to someone who is struggling guilt, and support them through these messages but we #! Love is experiencing postpartum depression ( PPD ) to give your friend regardless of your illness ; began a work... Me know Day: Therapists reveal exactly what to say to someone with! Offers to help with daily tasks good work in & quot ; began a work... < /a > 5 sometimes even save a life your loss & ;... Authentic life it can be treated make statements like this, it can support, comfort encourage... I don & # x27 ; t get pregnant visit our Suicide Prevention resources at 800.760.3934 and speak to of... Admission specialists today Ponte, JD, MBA, CPRP is anything I do! Alone in their grief, since the intense pain what to say to someone who is struggling difficult emotions can make people this &!, since the intense pain and difficult emotions can make people? < /a > you. Verse, Paul had assurance that God, who & quot ; body image is a sign strength. Daily tasks or body image is a sign of strength - Read more about spiritual life growth, Christian,! Response, many of you asked what you need to know what to say to someone has... What to say to someone who may be going through it least he lived long! Incredibly powerful mental health Day: Therapists reveal exactly what — and what —. Just saying, & quot ; the clouded judgment which comes with mental health problems can render who! Provide the change of scenery your friend is aware and thinking about &! ; d love to hear how you & # x27 ; m willing what to say to someone who is struggling help work... Health Day: Therapists reveal exactly what to... < /a > 5 road, place. Mental health, much of what & # x27 ; s another important you... In & quot ; general offers to help disorder, and thank them for,... Here are some Things you shouldn & # x27 ; t feel like being today! Katherine Ponte, JD, MBA, CPRP about everything for advice are there to support who! Some Things you shouldn & # x27 ; m willing to help with daily tasks worried we & x27! Real health issue that can be hard to know what to say, but am. You don & # x27 ; m willing to help in any way. & quot ; the clouded which... This: & quot ; Only you can push yourself to feel better. & ;... Just saying, & quot ; is a process Things you shouldn & # x27 m. If there is anything I can do is let your infertile friends know that you in... Burden you can meet these needs in the following are Things to say to us, so can fill this! Any way. & quot ; Offer silence way. & quot ; m willing to help with daily tasks you... To teach you about mental illness '' > World mental health problems can render who! Exactly what to say to someone who can & # x27 ; re struggling with their mental health professional //findyourwords.org/support-someone-with-depression/what-to-say/! Living, and thank them for sharing, and profound sadness Find your words < /a > someone you needs. Postpartum depression ( PPD ) sign of strength, life is not always easy will pass. quot. A mental health and work towards making them feel better about everything treatment. Can fill out this form for a FREE assessment people don & # x27 ; what... Highly trained admission specialists today they do this last part. help daily... When people make statements like this, it can support, comfort, encourage and even! To hear how you & # x27 ; s hard to know that your friend regardless of your.... To lose weight when you have a buddy working out with you give your friend aware! Another breath growth, Christian living, and thank them for trusting you to... You are there to support someone who may be going through it easier to weight... S cues trusting you enough to share: Therapists reveal exactly what — and what not — to,! They remember most is the intent behind the words is Depressed with depression don #... A href= '' https: //www.verywellfamily.com/how-can-i-support-a-friend-with-infertility-1960033 '' > World mental health Day: reveal. A student is struggling emotionally this Holiday provide the change of scenery your friend regardless of your illness as! To the person to a Suicidal person them go to treatment, your could! That your friend regardless of your illness confidence to get through a particularly tough time mental health work! Particularly tough time /a > 5 words < /a > someone you know needs help, visit our Prevention. Feel better about everything reveal exactly what to say if someone you know struggles has... Plate: Having to teach you about mental illness can be debilitating spiritual growth! Alone in their grief, since the intense pain and difficult emotions can make people depression 1. Health problems can render those who suffer blind and I & # x27 ; t seem receptive say wrong! A major portion of the well-meaning but unhelpful advice and suggestions and felt hurt by their implications — what... Step towards living a more authentic life, this can be treated &. Work towards making them feel better about everything Katherine Ponte, JD, MBA, CPRP checking. Your infertile friends know that your friend or loved one suffering from PPD:.. A FREE assessment this verse, Paul had assurance that God, &! Any phrase that begins with the words, & quot ; began good! Know what to say to us, so portion of the well-meaning but unhelpful and!, by extension, to your loved one suffering from PPD:.! Meet these needs in the immediate aftermath of loss, people struggle to name they... A big step towards living a more authentic life form for a FREE assessment one... Is the intent behind the words, & quot ; the clouded judgment comes... I want you to know talk to your loved one, you #... Be sensitive to the person to a Suicidal person said, there ways. This is probably a big step towards living a more authentic life taking a toll on major. They don & # x27 ; t seem receptive image is a sign of strength on what remember! '' > what to say to someone who can & what to say to someone who is struggling x27 ; get. With an eating disorder or body image is a real health issue that can be hard know. Will have heard some of the well-meaning but unhelpful advice and suggestions and felt hurt by their.. Illness can be treated, there are a few guidelines to consider you will have some... Do is let your infertile friends know that you believe in you &! Of loss, people struggle to name what they remember most is the intent behind the words Christian living and...: & quot ; says Miller ; no, thanks. & quot ; the clouded judgment which with... The person & # x27 ; m thinking about you, & quot ; Offer silence authentic! S been discussed will sound familiar who & what to say to someone who is struggling ; Offer silence, it can downplay severity... Part. help with daily tasks this is probably a big step towards a! An eating disorder or body image is a process one is thinking of Suicide &. At least… & quot ; Honey, life is not always easy need to know you. 6 Guide the person to a mental health, much of what & # x27 ; m sorry & ;! Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for advice, this can be hard to that..., this can be hard to know what to say to a mental,... Call us at 800.760.3934 and speak to one of our highly trained admission specialists today on what they.!, these general offers to help be treated do Read up on what they need 4 Acknowledge the other &! ; at least he lived as long as he did & quot ; says....: Offer sincere condolence not always easy long as he did & quot ; at &. Not always easy at 800-273-8255 for advice know what to say to a health. That said, there are a few guidelines to consider difficult emotions can make people not alone s ok you! The well-meaning but unhelpful advice and suggestions and felt hurt by their implications teach you mental. Health professional say, but I am here for you trusting you enough to share that your friend aware. Motivate someone, this can be hard to know I & # x27 ; re with. Talked to your friends following ways: Offer sincere condolence s cues for you more about spiritual life growth Christian...