what to say to someone struggling with stress?
220575
Offer reassurance When you're feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to see a way out of a problem. Reminding and reassuring someone that this won't last forever and that the situation can improve, will help them keep things in perspective.
751500
["Don't try to fix the difficult person. Accept them exactly as they are. ... ", 'Be present and direct. ... ', 'Do encourage difficult people to express themselves. ... ', 'Watch for trigger topics. ... ', 'Know that some topics are absolutely off-limits. ... ', "It's not about you — usually. ... ", 'Your own well-being comes first.']
766583
["“I'm Glad You're Okay”", "“I'm Here For You if You Need Anything”", '“How Are You Feeling?”', '“What Can I Do for You?”', "“Don't Be So Upset. Cheer Up!”", '“You Should [Insert Advice]”']
28935
['Thinking of you during your difficult time. ... ', "I am so sorry you're going through this. ... ", 'Sending all of our love and support your way.']
533469
['"I Love You" ... ', '“Pack Your Gym Bag. ... ', '"Let\'s Try To Stay Off Social Media, OK?" ... ', '“Just Wanted You To Know That I\'m Thinking About You" ... ', '"Things Might Suck Right Now, But Everything Is Going To Be OK" ... ', '"Anything You Want To Do, Let\'s Do It" ... ', '“It\'s OK To Be Sad"']
410373
Be genuine in your communication. Don't try to minimize their loss, provide simplistic solutions, or offer unsolicited advice. It's far better to just listen to your loved one or simply admit: “I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know I care.” Be willing to sit in silence.
110068
Try something like: “Let's pause for a moment here. I can see you're crying. Would you like to take a break or keep going? It's up to you.” This is neutral language that gives someone the opportunity to choose what they want and need next.
59495
["Don't ignore the person.", 'Be open to listening to what they have to say.', "Keep your voice calm when they're upset.", 'Try to talk things through.', "Acknowledge their distress, but don't feel like you have to back down if you disagree. ... ", 'Avoid pushing advice or opinions on them.']
1177316
Talk to your loved one and ask if this would frustrate them, if so talk about how else you can explain your respect for them. Instead, do say: “I wasn't sure what to say but I just wanted to let you know I care/I'm here for you".
1072717
['Free yourself from expectation prison. ... ', "Acknowledge that we've heard them and confirm that, yes, they've had a horrible day.", 'Remind them that it will get better.', 'Point out the positive in the situation, or in their life.', 'Try to take their mind off of it by suggesting a diversion.', 'Ask them what you can do to help.']
703990
["I'm so sorry to hear that. ... ", "Whatever you're feeling is perfectly okay*. ... ", "I've been there. ... ", 'Have you got people you can talk to? ... ', "I can recommend a counsellor if you'd like one, although I know it's not for everyone. ... ", 'Here, have some food. ... ', "How's work? ... ", 'Have you watched this boxset?']
497401
['"I Love You" ... ', '“Pack Your Gym Bag. ... ', '"Let\'s Try To Stay Off Social Media, OK?" ... ', '“Just Wanted You To Know That I\'m Thinking About You" ... ', '"Things Might Suck Right Now, But Everything Is Going To Be OK" ... ', '"Anything You Want To Do, Let\'s Do It" ... ', '“It\'s OK To Be Sad" ... ', '"I\'m Always Here For You To Listen Or Help However I Can”']
58312
["Don't say, “It's going to be OK” ... ", 'But do say something. ... ', "Do make clear that you'll be there for them. ... ", "Do be careful about saying, “I'll pray for you” ... ", 'Do try to create a semblance of normalcy. ... ', "Do ask how they're doing — today. ... ", 'Do be a good listener. ... ', "Don't get squirmy at the end."]
1360648
['“Thank you for all you do for us, but now is a time to take care of yourself as well.” ... ', "“I'm proud of you.” ... ", "“I hate that you're going through this, but I know that you've got this.” ... ", '“Remember when you were there for me? ... ', "“Here's how we're going to take care of your work while you're away.”"]
972058
['Make a to-do list. There is always more work to be done. ... ', 'Keep a journal. Toby, a client of mine at a professional services firm, was experiencing significant work stress due to friction with a difficult colleague. ... ', 'Exercise self-compassion. ... ', 'Engage in physical activity. ... ', 'Practice meditation.']
772319
["Don't ignore the person.", 'Be open to listening to what they have to say.', "Keep your voice calm when they're upset.", 'Try to talk things through.', "Acknowledge their distress, but don't feel like you have to back down if you disagree. ... ", 'Avoid pushing advice or opinions on them. ... ', 'Give them space if they need it.']
288357
DO say, “I really admire how you are handling this. I know it's difficult.” DO say, “You are amazing.” DO say, “I love you.” When all else fails, simple, direct emotion is the most powerful gift you can give a loved one going through pain.