Sometimes we see those around us going through tough times, perhaps struggling with things happening in their life and having issues coming to terms with it. When it is someone we don’t know very well, we may be much more careful about offering help, but for those closest to us, our friends and family, we may often feel a sense of duty and responsibility to help them.
Sometimes they may not want the help, or even resist it, as they erronously assume it to be a signal of weakness.
As much as they may ask us to, it’s not so easy to ignore when those who are closest to us shows signs of suffering. It could be physical pain, psychological trauma, or emotional stress.
How do we help someone that doesn’t want the help or doesn’t know they need help?
It is actually best to let them decide for themselves if they need help. Apart from a few extreme cases, you can’t force help on anyone. However, there are ways you can help them along in making that decision.
- Keep their confidence and respect their privacy. It is a measure of trust. If you tell other people about their problems, you will lose their trust.
- Be truthful about the issues you notice and would like to help them with; and make sure you speak to them with a sense of compassion and empathy. You want to let them know you are genuine and that you care.
- Even if you do everything right, they may get very defensive. Just remember not to take this personally or you become a source of stress as well. Remain calm, listen to their concerns without judgement.
Anyone that decides they need help is actually a huge step. When help is willingly sought, there is a higher chance for counselling and therapy to be more successful. So remember that getting them to even consider help is a win and something you can follow up on later. Helping someone is sometimes more of a process than an action we take.
Join us at College of Allied Educators to learn more about your deepest emotions, and discover how you can help yourself and your loved ones overcome their fears, disappointments, and life challenges in order to build a more meaningful, and happier life.
For a FREE COURSE PREVIEW
CALL US at 6533-2763
EMAIL your enquiry to ENQUIRY@ICAE.EDU.SG
or Register for your free preview below: