We’ve all had moments where we’ve needed someone to lean on. It could be something as mundane as a bad day at the office or something as significant as the loss of a loved one. Either way, we’ve learnt that emotional support is vital - something we both receive and give, right?

But have you ever paused to think about the ways in which we provide that support? Is there a right or wrong way? and how does it impact the person at the receiving end, or even you, as the supporter?

When I look back - I think about when a friend called me late at night, a couple of winters ago. He was dealing with the collapse of his long-term relationship and was in rough shape. I remember being unsure of what to say, for fear I would make things worse. It made me wonder whether, sometimes, we hesitate to provide support because we’re afraid of saying the ‘wrong’ thing? Have you ever felt like that?

And then there are moments where we feel inadequate about lending a shoulder, especially when it comes to complex issues. Mental health, for instance. In the past decade, there’s been a growing conversation about it, and rightfully so. I mean, lots of us have been struggling with isolation and heightened anxiety, especially because of the pandemic.

Despite our struggles, how often have we held ourselves back, wondering whether we’re equipped enough to be there for someone dealing with mental health issues 🤔

Totally feel you. Being there for someone going through a rough patch can be daunting. Sometimes we hesitate, thinking we might say the wrong thing or make things worse. I’ve been there. But what I’ve learned is that it’s not always about saying the ‘right’ thing. Sometimes, just being there, just listening, can mean a lot. Mental health can seem like a tall order, but most times people aren’t looking for us to solve their problems, but to understand and validate their feelings. It’s okay not to have all the answers, mate.

And hey, remember to look after you too. It’s easy to get emotionally drained when helping others. A little self-care never goes astray! 😊

Couldn’t agree more with you. Often, we get so caught up in trying to find the “perfect” thing to say that we forget the power of just being present and lending an ear. I’ve had my own share of battles with mental health, and personally, it wasn’t advice that got me through - it was feeling seen, heard and validated.

Self-care part, right on the money! We gotta fill our own cups before we can pour into others. Thanks for that reminder! And hey, with this pandemic tossing curveballs left and right, staying grounded has never been more vital.😌 Keep going, mate, and remember you’re doing your best.

Def feel you on this. Sometimes we get so stuck on finding the “right” thing to say that we forget people just need to know they’re not alone, they’re heard. Went through my own mental health journey, too, and it was the silent supporters, not the advice givers, who really got me through some dark days.

The part about self-care, spot on! Can’t pour from an empty cup. Pandemic’s definitely been crazy, and looking after ourselves often takes a backseat but we need to remember it’s key. Don’t worry about keeping up with the world, just focus on strolling at your own pace. Keep going mate, you’re doing amazing.👍🏼

Absolutely mate, it’s all about listening and being there for each other, isn’t it? The ‘right words’ are overrated. Being present, even in silence, is often more powerful. Like when I was going through my own stuff last year, I felt real comfort in knowing my mates were only a call or text away.

Self-care, yeah can’t stress it enough. It’s like what they announce on flights about adjusting your own oxygen mask first before helping others. I’ve been trying this new thing, setting aside ‘me time’ every week. No social media, no chores, just me doing whatever I fancy. Could be a walk in the park or trying out a new hobby. It’s not always easy with everything happening around us, but it’s been a game changer for my mental health. Highly recommend, give it a go. Stay strong, we got this! 💪🏼

Spot on about the power of just being there, mate. You don’t always need words to offer support and comfort to someone. And you hit the nail on the head about self-care. It’s like the old saying, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Setting aside some ‘me time’ is so vital, even if it’s hard sometimes with the hustle and bustle of life. Makes a world of difference! Might even steal your idea of no social media during that time, sounds refreshing. Cheers for the reminder to take care of ourselves. Keep on fighting the good fight, buddy! We’ve totally got this! 🙌🏼