There's an epidemic of unhelpful responses when someone opens up about their struggles. My take: Most well-meaning people inadvertently make things worse because they simply don't know what to say.
When we see loved ones suffering, it triggers distress in us too. Our instinct is to quickly make their pain go away, for our sake as much as theirs. But rushing them through emotions or invalidating their fexelings creates isolation.
I want to look at four common unhelpful responses, and give you some new tools to use. These tools also apply to your self-talk - be your own supportive friend.
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My book: For When Everything is Burning
https://bit.ly/forwheneverythingisburning
Mood Bloom games for depression and anxiety (I have partnered with this brand):
iOS
https://apps.apple.com/il/app/mood-bloom-therapeutic-game/id6449717065?mt=8
Android
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=hedonia.bloom.mood&hl=en_US&gl=US&pli=1
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http://www.northstarpsychcenter.com/
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http://www.drscotteilers.com/
Disclaimer: This content is not intended to be a replacement for receiving treatment. It is purely educational in nature. My relationship with you is that of presenter and audience, not therapist and client.
But I do care.
The Psychology of Depression and Anxiety - Dr. Scott Eilers