How To Provide Emotional Support To Your Family During Trying Times

This post was developed via a partnership with BetterHelp.

It can be so hard to see a family member going through something difficult and feel at a loss for how to help. However, no matter the situation there are things you can do to provide emotional support to your family member— even when you feel lost as to what to do. Here are some strategies for providing emotional support to a family member during a trying time:

1. Take Care Of Yourself First

We can’t help other people effectively if we aren’t emotionally and mentally in the headspace to even take care of ourselves. It’s a bit like how they ask you to put your own oxygen mask on in a plane, before assisting someone else. It isn’t about being selfish. It’s about– if you don’t take care of yourself, you aren’t going to have much luck taking care of anyone else. So before going head first into supporting your family, make sure you are taking care of yourself and your own needs!

2. Spend Time One-On-One With Family Members

Scheduling in some one-on-one time with a family member gives them the opportunity to talk to you about how they are feeling, without worrying that another family member will interrupt or join in the conversation. However, don’t go into your one-on-one time expecting them to talk about the issue at hand. It’s ok to bring it up casually but if they recoil, move on with the conversation and trust they will reach out for support when they are ready. If they do choose to talk to you about what’s going on, really listen to what they are saying. Avoid judgment or providing solutions. What they likely need most is just someone to listen.

3. Express Your Support Through Acts Of Love

When someone isn’t ready to talk, that doesn’t mean you’ve exhausted all your resources to show support. Little acts of service can go a long way in showing someone you are there for them during a difficult time. For example, do they have a favorite food or recipe you could make for them? Is there a chore they are normally in charge of that you can take care of for a few days or weeks? If you feel up to taking on a little extra and pampering your family members, this can be a great way to show support and even open the doors to conversation about what’s going on.

4. Brighten Your Kid’s Day With Meaningful Messages

Working through trying times can be difficult for little ones who haven’t yet learned the ins and outs of their emotions and ways to manage them. However, simple actions can be a huge support to your kids, especially when they are at school or somewhere you are unable to support them in person. BetterHelp has advice articles that can help you brainstorm ideas to best support your children. For example, how about adding notes to their lunch box with encouraging quotes like these ones?

5. Talk To A Professional

If you or your family members are continuing to struggle during a trying time, there is no shame in reaching out for help. Online therapy can help get to the root of negative emotions they are facing and help your family to move forward. As well as offering advice columns specific to family matters,