5 Simple Things You Can Do to Help a Friend in Crisis

Page 1

5 Simple Things You Can Do to Help a Friend in Crisis

You will sometimes find your friends dealing with a major life crisis. There are ways you can help your friend cope. Many times, we feel helpless when we see a friend in need. Especially if we have never experienced their particular crisis before, it can be difficult to know what to do to help. However, you already have an advantage over most people, because you know your friend well, what she needs and what she likes. Using this knowledge, you can help lift her burden of stress and make this crisis more manageable. 1. Make a nutritious meal or bring her favorite snack. There is nothing better than seeing a friend show up at your door with food in hand. Bringing food has always been a gesture of goodwill, and not just because it allows your friend to cross something off of her lengthy to-do list. Even if you just stand in the doorway and hand the food across the threshold, your friend will greatly appreciate not having to make her own meal. In addition, bringing a nutritious meal shows that you took the time to think about what she needs, what she would want, and that demonstrates that you are not only thinking about her in her time of need, but also looking for ways to help. 2. Be a helping hand. Sometimes, all someone needs is for you to show up at their door, ready to work. Crises are overwhelming, and getting everything done that needs to be completed in a single day can seem daunting, unless there is someone there to lighten the load. Being willing to help with anything she might need is a great way to lessen her stress and be supportive. http://natural-stress-relief-women.com/


3. Take her away from the situation. In a crisis, most people feel consumed and overwhelmed, and they have very little time to think about or do anything else other than trying to cope with the crisis. Sometimes, they need someone to come and take them away for a few hours. Whether you go see a movie, take a walk, or go out to dinner, a few moments of reprieve can make all the difference. Just be sure that it does not add to the stress by taking away time from essential things that need to be done. 4. Be a sympathetic ear. Even if you do not know what to say or how to help, just listening can be the best way to help your friend in a time of need. Often, people are not actually looking for advice when they want to talk—unless they specifically ask for it—they just need to put their feelings into words in order to process them. 5. Look for and recommend resources. No matter the nature of the crisis, there are likely resources ( both online and offline) your friend can use to lighten the load. Look for these websites, help lines, forums, audio programs, personal development courses and coaching, and professionals that can help your friend get through this difficult time.

http://natural-stress-relief-women.com/


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.