We can support those around us in different ways when times get tough. Support comes in different forms. We have to do what we can in our own unique situations because we are all different and just trying to do the best we can.
Start with your family, your local community, and then beyond. If you can’t support someone physically, be at the end of the phone or email. Join a support group. Someone will always be listening to you even if they are a stranger. Never feel that you are alone because you’re not. Just try to reach out.
Give
Give back to others. Giving doesn’t have to be money, we can give in so many ways. Essential items such as sanitary goods like tissues, wipes, soap, female sanitary items, or warm clothing. Giving time is another great way to support others even if you are at the end of the phone when someone needs you. Giving food to your local food bank, Domestic Violence Shelter or even a neighbour, can make a world of difference to them and to you.
Work together
We can support others through tough times by working together. Working together helps us come up with new ideas that could ultimately solve problems. As humans, we used to live in more tight-knit communities but that’s changed dramatically over the years. I think we need to get back to this as we are stronger when we are working as a group.
Speak Up
Speaking up, if we find something is not sitting right with us, can be difficult if we are also trying to support someone. But I’ve always gone on the fact that if it makes me feel uncomfortable, then something generally isn’t right. Speaking up to support others, takes courage and strength, and it’s essential in supporting vulnerable groups of people in particular. If it makes us feel uncomfortable, question it!
Be kind
One thing that can be easy to forget, is to remember that other people are going through their own journey, troubled past, future worries etc… But what we need to understand, is that the person serving us at the shop, the teacher teaching our children, the Doctor looking after us if we’re sick, and every single person we come into contact with, has got their own stuff going on. Being able to empathise with others is a giant leap into kindness because we get to understand how it might feel to walk in the shoes of others.
Bottom line – be KIND to EVERYONE and we will have a better world!
Build Trust
Trust is something that one has to earn. When people are afraid, it could be out of fear from past experience or a fear of what’s to come. One way to support others is to build trust but we must remember that ‘distrust’ has come from somewhere, so being aware of this is very important.
Even saying ‘hello’ to people while out walking, can help break down barriers, and subsequently, could reduce fear. Some people only fear what they either don’t know or don’t understand. And most of that could stem from a lack of knowledge about the world, and how it works.
My husband isn’t a fan of saying hi to complete strangers while out walking, but he’s getting used to it. In fact, his awkwardness inspired me to make the following graphic quote thingy below.
Share what works
Sometimes we have to ‘weather the storm’ and step outside our comfort zone to share what works. I’ve met a lot of people who have had great ideas but are too afraid to share them. If we can find the courage, and support others to find their courage, we could end up with many more ideas of how to support each other.
Obviously, everyone is different, so what might work for one person, might not for the next. But it doesn’t hurt to throw some ideas back and forth until we find one that suits us in our own unique situation.
Talk
Whatever we go through in life, it’s important to remember that even though we might feel like we’re alone, we’re not. I’ve seen people reach out for support on Facebook groups because they don’t have any support in place. Positive comments come flowing in, but also recommendations of local support groups or helplines that are available in that person’s local community.
Try to remember you are not alone, and pick up the phone to talk to someone if you need support.
Seek professional help when needed
Please seek help if you need professional support, either from a medical Doctor or Nurse, or psychological help from a Psychologist or Psychiatrist. These people are trained professionals who specialise in this area and will be able to point you in the right direction to get you the help you need when you need it.
