|
| Words That Can Help The following comes courtesy of the February 2002 issue of the Mental Health Recovery Newsletter, which is published by Mary Ellen Copeland and Ed Anthes (copeland@mentalhealthrecovery.com): Words That Can Help If you are having a hard time, what can others say to you that would be helpful? Often when you are having a hard time, others don't know what to say. In their efforts to be helpful, they may say things that are really upsetting like, "snap out of it", "pull yourself up by the boot straps" or "just go take a hot bath". You may want to talk with them about this, telling them what helps and what hurts. Participants at a recent training came up with the following list of things others could say that would be helpful. Which ones would be helpful to you? Can you think of others? You're doing well. How can I help? I'm here for you. We can work together through this. It's OK to feel like that. I accept you and love you the way you are. What do you need at this time? You've come a long way. You're a strong person. I admire your courage in dealing with this pain. I encourage you. Don't give up. I can't promise, but I'll do my best to help. I don't understand. Please tell me what you mean. Tell me how you feel. Source: Mary Ellen Copeland, P O Box 301, West Dummerston, VT 05357-0301 phone (802) 254-2092 fax (802) 257-7499 |
|
Opinions expressed in this web site do not necessarily reflect the views of NAMI Santa Cruz County, NAMI California or any affiliated organizations. We attempt to present a balanced perspective on issues by presenting multiple viewpoints. Copyright 2005 National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Santa Cruz County, All Rights Reserved. FAIR USE NOTICE: This may contain copyrighted (©) material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. Such material is made available to advance understanding of ecological, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, moral, ethical, and social justice issues, etc. It is believed that this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. For more information go to: http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.shtml If you wish to use copyrighted material for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner. |
