If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need. Support leads to greater mental wellness by:

▪ Building connection, which is an antidote to stress.

▪ Creating increased vulnerability with someone else, which strengthens a bond.

▪ Fostering the feeling that you are not alone.

▪ Providing a space to gain perspective on the difficulty you’re experiencing.

To provide support, it starts with being an active listener. This is more than hearing what someone has to say, it is being present with them and asking open-ended questions to get more details about what they are experiencing. It is natural to try and share your own story to let them know that you have gone through something similar, just be careful not to compare because it can make someone feel like their pain isn’t valid. Sometimes people are struggling because of a mistake that they made, or you may think that they are overreacting, nevertheless, they are still feeling these feelings. It is also important to not judge and to put your own personal opinions and biases aside.

We often feel like we need to find a solution to what someone else is experiencing, but that may not be what they want. It is important to ask what you can do to support them. Processing what they are going through and letting them know that you are there to walk alongside them, can be powerful. Finally, if you have offered your support to someone and told them you would do something to help them, keep your word.

Students this week will be learning about how to help someone else who may be struggling with their mental health and the importance of showing care for others.

Contact:

Callie DeVriendt, MSW, LICSW

District Mental Health & Social, Emotional Behavioral Multi-Tiered System of Supports Coordinator

callie.devriendt@isd709.org