Being Supportive as a Family Member or Friend
Distributed by the GSU Student Counseling Wellness Resource Center
For More information, please visit http://www.gram.edu/student-life/services/counseling-center/ or call 318-274-3277
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A family member or other loved one has been through a difficult experience. What can
you do to ease the pain? Below are several suggestions for offering support and comfort
during a trying time.
- Listen, listen, listen -- One of the most important needs after a critical incident is to talk about the
event. It may be difficult for you to hear about, or you may get tired of hearing
the same story, but talking can be a crucial part of your loved one's recovery. Be
supportive and sympathetic. Try to avoid overreacting or pushing your loved one to
talk. Your loved one needs to tell their story, not to be upset by your reaction.
If your loved one tries to shield you from the event by refusing to talk about it,
you obviously can't force them to talk. But you can encourage openness and listen
to whatever else the person wants to say. Keep in mind that your loved one may not
be ready to talk at this point, but let them know that you’re there to support them
in any way they might need.
- Encourage your loved one to maintain their routine -- After a crisis, emotions can run high. It's easy to rush into an impulsive decision,
such leaving school, dropping courses, or ending relationships. While it may be difficult
for your loved one to face their daily routine or everyday tasks, this may actually
be the best way to recover from the crisis. Structure and the company of others can
provide predictability, comfort, and security.
- Include your friends, family, and GSU community in the healing process -- Rely on your support system. Remember to utilize various avenues of support. Your
loved one may be concerned about burdening others by reaching out, but company might
be the exact type of support they need. Help them research the resources available
to them at GSU, refer them to resources such as the Student Counseling and Wellness
Resource Center, University Health Services, Student Affairs Office, and Student Conduct
or Title IX Office
- Take care of yourself -- You have your own responsibilities, and now you may also feel responsible for keeping
your loved one from feeling too much strain. While it's important to be supportive,
you also need some support yourself. Ask friends or family members for help, and don't
be afraid to seek counseling for yourself. Remember to take care of basics such as
eating nutritious meals, sleeping well, and engaging in physical activity.
- Enjoy the little things -- Take time out for you and your friends to enjoy the little things in life such
as a walk out doors, spending time with a pet, or grabbing a bite to eat with a friend.
Appreciating the little things won't make the pain go away, but it can help in the
healing process. While it may be difficult to enjoy yourself at a time like this,
it's important to strengthen your bond with the people you love and who care about
you
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