When someone you love is going through a hard time, it can be tough for you for a number of reasons. A lot of the time that person is not going to want to let you help as we live in a society where you are told more often than not, to deal with your problems yourself. It can also be tough to know that someone you love is hurting, but there’s not much that you can do about it which can cause stress to you. But, the most important thing that you need to focus on is how you can help them even if there’s limited ways that you can. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of these, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.
Just Be There For Them
First, we’re going to say that the most important thing that you can do is to simply be there for them. When we are going through hard times, it’s nice just to have the comfort of someone who will be there for you. No expectations, no pushing to talk about the problem, just being there and showing the support that they need. Sometimes this is going to mean sitting down and watching a movie with them while they sit in silence. Other times, they’re going to want to go out and try new things, so go with them and ensure they have a great time.
There is no right or wrong way to deal with how you are feeling, but there are better and worse ones. In order to be there for them, you should be helping them as much as you can by showing up, and keeping them out of trouble if that’s what you need to do. Life is hard, so help them make it a little bit simpler with you by their side.
Little Gifts Are Appreciated
Not all the time, but sometimes, little gifts are going to be appreciated. Little gifts that say that you are thinking about them, that they are loved, that they are not going to be forgotten, and ones that can remind them of the good times in their lives. For example, personalised calendars make great gifts, and they are certainly great at times like this as you can turn them into a trip down memory lane.
We’re not saying that you have to splash out and spend masses of money on gifts for the person you love who is struggling right now, but just something to let them know that you’re thinking of them, even when you’re there. It’s not the money that goes into the gifts, it’s the thought behind them.
Talk To Them When They Are Ready
People are not always ready to talk just because you want them to be, and if this is the case then you need to back up. They will talk to you when they are ready, and you need to let them come to you. Don’t push them into talking about how they are feeling unless it is becoming apparent that it is necessary to do so. Let them come out of their shell gradually, give them the time to process the feelings that they are experiencing inside their head before you get them to talk out loud. Sometimes, we all just need a little bit of space to work through things on our own before we can bring other people into the mix, and that’s fine.
Throughout the time that they are not talking, you just need to be their silent supporter. Talk to them about everything and anything that isn’t the issue at hand. Keep them updated on all things going on with you, and the things that they used to love to know about. It might not feel as though it’s helping, but it will.
Don’t Shy Away If They Lash Out
When people are struggling, when people are in pain, and especially when people are embarrassed by the pain that they feel, they lash out. It’s easier to lash out than to admit that you have people that care sometimes, and that is hard to deal with. But, the thing that you have to try to remember at times like this is that while it might feel like it, it’s not personal. They don’t mean the things that they are saying when they lash out, and it’s not really you that they are lashing out at, but rather their own pain.
The best thing that you can do in times like this is let it roll completely off your back, or let it go over your head. Tell them that they can say what they want, but you’re still going to be there, giving them the support that they need at the end of it.
Consistency Is Key
The last thing that we want to say here is that consistency is key. You have to remain consistent with people who are struggling, or they will end up feeling as though they are alone in the world. Helping someone through a hard time might take a while, but you’ve got to commit to this before you start, or else you could end up hurting more than you are helping. Do what you can, when you can, and just let them lean on you when they need it. You’ve got this, and so do they.
We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do that will help someone you know that is going through a hard time. There are always going to be times in which the people you love are going to face things, and there’s not always going to be much that you can do about it. It’s important that you are there more than anything else, and the rest is all going to fade into the background. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you manage to be there at this tough time.