It could be anything from an illness to financial troubles to having an elderly parent, and there may come a time when a loved one requires your help. These types of situations aren’t always easy to handle and can be a challenge for all parties involved.
Use the following advice for guidance on how you can best support and be there for a loved one in need. Remember to take care of yourself throughout the process so you don’t become overwhelmed or stressed out and end up taking on the other person’s problems. Keep in mind that you’re there as a helping hand and to listen and propose a recommended plan of action for moving forward.
Educate Yourself
Your first step in being able to help a loved one in need is to educate yourself about what’s going on with them. For instance, if the person is addicted to pain medication or heroin, then you’ll want to take the time to learn about this addiction and treatment options. Have a conversation with your loved one and try to get to the bottom of what they’re dealing with before jumping to any conclusions.
Offer Your Time & Attention
One of the best ways to help a loved one in need is to simply be there for them. Offer your time and attention and listen carefully to what they’re willing to share with you. All they may need and want in the moment is to know someone else cares and is there for them. Let them know you’re a source of support and ask them what you can be doing that’s going to help them get to a better place.
Brainstorm Solutions
You can also help a loved one in need by taking the time to brainstorm solutions as to how to best deal with what they’re going through. Open up the dialogue so that you’re both involved in the process of figuring out how to proceed and you aren’t simply preaching your opinion at them. Ask for their input and make a list of pros and cons for the ideas you each come up with.
Establish Boundaries
What you don’t want to happen is that you end up consuming yourself with your loved one’s troubles or dilemma. It’s important to be there for them but you also want to establish boundaries in the relationship early on. You have other obligations and responsibilities to attend to and might not have the time to always be by their side. Maintain your self-care routine and avoid letting yourself get swept up in the problem and neglecting yourself in the process.
Remain Patient
You’ll want to commit to staying patient both with yourself, your loved one and the situation in your case. Helping a loved one in need may be a bigger job than you originally planned for and there may not be a quick fix. Accept that some days might be better than others so try not to take the ups and downs personally.
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Always good to give a shoulder for them to lean on