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It’s not easy to watch a loved one struggle through a crisis. Whether they’re going through a personal or health crisis, knowing what to do to help can be challenging. This blog post will explore some ways that you can help your loved one during their time of need and discuss how to provide emotional support, practical support, and financial support. Also, it includes how to cope with the stress of watching someone you love go through a tough time. Be sure to remember helping a loved on through a crisis doesn’t expect yourself to “fix” everything and speak with a licenses counselor or mental health professional for advice on the best steps to take to help a loved one through a specific crisis.
1) Understand what they are going through:
The first step to helping your loved one is to try to understand what they are going through. This cannot be easy because everyone experiences things differently, but it’s important to try to see things from their perspective. If you can’t understand what they’re dealing with, ask them questions and really listen to the answers.
Don’t hesitate to ask your loved ones how they are feeling or what they need. They must know you care and want to help in any way you can. Sometimes just being there for them is the best thing you can do. Let them know that you’re there for them and want to help in any way you can.
2) Provide emotional support:
One of the most important things you can do for your loved one is to provide emotional support; This can be in the form of listening to them, offering words of encouragement, or just being there for them. It’s important that they know they’re not alone and that you care about what they’re going through.
Offer words of encouragement and positivity when they are feeling down. Let them know that you believe in them and that they will get through this tough time. Be a shoulder to cry on when needed, but also try to encourage positive thinking and hope. Help them see the light at the end of the tunnel and remind them that this is just a temporary setback.
3) Provide practical support:
Practical support is another important way to help your loved one during a crisis, especially if they are going through a heroin abuse and addiction crisis and perhaps lost their work. Remember, with addicts you must be very careful with how you help. Speak with a professional about boundaries and what is or is not beneficial when helping someone with addiction problems. You probably will also need counseling on best ways to support your friend during this time and for the future.
If your loved one is dealing with a health crisis, offer to help out with cooking, cleaning, and childcare. Some people do not accept help easily. If you know they need food or other help, simply “drop by” with an already cooked meal, it most likely won’t be turned down. If they’re going through a personal crisis, offer to help with their finances or provide emotional support. Your loved one will most likely greatly appreciate whatever practical support you can offer.
Remember that everyone copes with things differently, so try to be understanding if your loved one doesn’t want or need your help. Just let them know you’re there for them and offer your support in whatever way they need.
4) Offer financial support:
For many people, a crisis can also mean a financial crisis. If your loved one is struggling to make ends meet, offer to help out with their bills or expenses. This can be a massive weight off their shoulders and allow them to focus on getting through their crisis.
Suppose you can offer to help with your loved one’s mortgage, rent, utilities, or other monthly expenses. Even if you can’t cover all of their costs, every little bit helps. You could also offer to set up a GoFundMe page or start a fundraiser to help your loved one with their financial needs.
Whatever its form, financial support can be a lifesaver for someone in a crisis. If you’re able to offer it, your loved one will be incredibly grateful. And if you can’t offer financial support or they do not want it, you can always take over a meal or groceries to their house. I’ve hardly ever found anyone that won’t mind a freshly made meal! lol
5) Check in on them regularly:
Once you’ve offered your support, checking in on your loved one regularly is important. This lets them know that you’re still there for them and haven’t forgotten about their situation. It might also help your loved one feel like they have someone to turn to if things turn for the worse.
Try to check in on your loved one often. This might mean at least once a week or every day depending on the situation, either in person or over the phone. Ask how they’re doing and see if there’s anything you can do to help out. If they don’t want to talk about their problems, just let them know that you’re there for them and offer your support. Lots of times they might just need someone to talk to that doesn’t include the overwhelming crisis so their thoughts can be on more positive things like their favorite TV show or simple things such as what they ate for breakfast.
Remember, you can’t “fix” this person or what they are going through. They need love and support and maybe just know that someone cares for them. Your friend also might need help through a licensed counselor or a mental health professional. Encourage them to seek this avenue out. If they are not willing to speak to a professional in person, tell them about BetterHelp.com. It is an online counseling platform I have used and it helped me sooo much!
Helping a loved one through a crisis can be a difficult and daunting task. However, it’s important to remember that your support can make all the difference. Just let your loved ones know that you’re there for them and offer your help in whatever way you can. With your support, it might be the best way to help them to get through this tough time.
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If you are feeling down or depressed for more days than not, please seek medical attention. If you are feeling like you cannot go on, please call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or chat here>>> https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/ Or visit the suicide prevention lifeline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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