Do you have a partner, daughter, or friend that is going through a difficult time? It is always upsetting to watch a loved one struggling, whether this is a mental health problem, drink and drug addiction, illness, or any other kind of issue. You will be desperate to help in any way that you can, but sometimes it can be hard to know how to go about doing so, especially when it is a sensitive issue and one which you do not have any previous experience with. It will depend on the individual and the issue that they are battling but here are a few tips which should help.
Communicate
Excellent communication is crucial, so you need to make sure that you are talking to the individual about the issue that they are struggling with – this involves both speaking and listening. You should not shy away from bringing up the topic at a convenient time and place, and here are a few tips for speaking about the problem:
- Make sure that you show love and support
- Avoid placing blame or being negative
- Do not force them to talk about it
- Listen to and validate their concerns
Provide Practical Support
A fantastic way to show support when a loved one is going through a difficult time is to provide physical support. Difficulties in life can make it hard or even impossible to manage typical day-to-day chores such as cooking, cleaning and shopping, so if you are able to help with these and any other tasks, then you could be helping to lighten their load and help them to relax.
Research
When someone is going through an issue like a mental health issue or a drug addiction, it is hard to know what to say. By researching what the person is battling, it will help you to get a better understanding and allow you to have a better idea of how you can help. The internet is a superb resource for this, and there are always online communities that you could join which will allow you to get a better understanding and speak with other people who are going through the same problem or supporting somebody going through the same problem.
Help To Find Treatment
In some cases, you will be able to support your loved one by helping to find treatment. If they are battling drug addiction, for example, then you could search for a women’s rehab center, which provides drug rehab for women. Women’s treatment programs can be highly effective in helping people to overcome their addictions and take back control of their life.
Watching a loved one go through any kind of difficult period will always be tough and upsetting. It is hard to know how to help sometimes, but these tips should give you the confidence to talk about the issue with your loved one and know the best way in which you can help them through this difficult period. Sometimes this might involve simply listening to them or doing their laundry while others it may require stepping in and helping them to find a suitable treatment.