Essential Tips for Helping Those Who Are Hurting

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irus-covid-19/">dreaded virus,</a> and isolation are real nightmares. Many feel overwhelmed.</p><p id="d8d7">So, what can we do to help each other?</p><figure id="7adc"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*FusG0TgINQdUahnaLP14Ew.jpeg"><figcaption>Image by Counselling on Pixabay</figcaption></figure><h1 id="0a03">1. Pay Attention</h1><p id="5db8">Next time someone who is “seemingly okay” casually mentions that they need help with something or that they are struggling with a particular issue don’t ignore them. Pay attention to what they are saying. Pay attention to what they are not saying. Watch their body language. Pay attention to their environment and any signs of neglect. Ask if they need help with their grocery shopping, if there is anything you can fix, any laundry or ironing that needs to be done. Offer to take them to the hairdresser or cut their grass for example.</p><p id="a0c7">If you are in different locations you can still offer other forms of help.</p><figure id="994e"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*JeBu8xRlRaO6a7MHF1x-2w.jpeg"><figcaption>Image by Geralt on Pixabay</figcaption></figure><h1 id="7a80">2. Never Make Assumptions</h1><p id="c439">Don’t assume that all is well because of yo

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ur perceptions. People who are hurting suffer in silence because they do not want to be a burden to others. Put them at ease by maintaining frequent, meaningful communication. Listen to what they say more than you talk. Guide the conversation back to them if they seem like they want to hear about what is happening in your life. Allow them to talk for as long as they need to, until they have nothing else to say. It’s during such meaningful exchanges that the extent of their pain or challenge is revealed.</p><figure id="5dfe"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*j8aCs5WkgP0bJz_yRuOlhQ.jpeg"><figcaption>Image by Susan-lu4esm on Pixabay</figcaption></figure><h1 id="c859">3. Take Appropriate Action</h1><p id="05d3">Pay attention and take appropriate action BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.</p><p id="9317">There are occasions when it is inappropriate to impose yourself on someone who clearly states that they do not need your help. That is not an excuse to do nothing. Make an effort to do something nice for them on special occasions such as birthdays or festive seasons. Share resources about where they can access <a href="https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/emergency-funding.aspx">help and support.</a> A little help can go a long way.</p></article></body>

If you are more fortunate than others build a longer table not a taller fence

Image by Counselling on Pixabay

The year 2020 will go down in history as a recording breaking year for reasons most of us would rather forget.

When I first heard of the coronavirus virus in January it was as distant from me as the land from which it originated. Within six months of becoming aware of this deadly disease I had lost six loved ones, excluding acquiantances. Never for a minute did I ever think that a virus would bring the world to a standstill.

A lot of people are hurting right now. Job losses, financial worries, bereavement, fear of catching the dreaded virus, and isolation are real nightmares. Many feel overwhelmed.

So, what can we do to help each other?

Image by Counselling on Pixabay

1. Pay Attention

Next time someone who is “seemingly okay” casually mentions that they need help with something or that they are struggling with a particular issue don’t ignore them. Pay attention to what they are saying. Pay attention to what they are not saying. Watch their body language. Pay attention to their environment and any signs of neglect. Ask if they need help with their grocery shopping, if there is anything you can fix, any laundry or ironing that needs to be done. Offer to take them to the hairdresser or cut their grass for example.

If you are in different locations you can still offer other forms of help.

Image by Geralt on Pixabay

2. Never Make Assumptions

Don’t assume that all is well because of your perceptions. People who are hurting suffer in silence because they do not want to be a burden to others. Put them at ease by maintaining frequent, meaningful communication. Listen to what they say more than you talk. Guide the conversation back to them if they seem like they want to hear about what is happening in your life. Allow them to talk for as long as they need to, until they have nothing else to say. It’s during such meaningful exchanges that the extent of their pain or challenge is revealed.

Image by Susan-lu4esm on Pixabay

3. Take Appropriate Action

Pay attention and take appropriate action BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.

There are occasions when it is inappropriate to impose yourself on someone who clearly states that they do not need your help. That is not an excuse to do nothing. Make an effort to do something nice for them on special occasions such as birthdays or festive seasons. Share resources about where they can access help and support. A little help can go a long way.