Caring for loved ones

How to show up for loved ones who are far away

• Plan surprise video calls, or schedule calls
• Send some food delivery at your loved one’s place. Food can be great at uplifting mood.
• Plan movie/music nights together
• Keep checking on how they are feeling and be with them virtually or via text in low moments.
• Simple lines like- ‘I’m here for you. I’m listening and am with you” can help
• Help them with setting small goals and encouraging self-reward after completing small tasks.
• Encourage loved ones to seek professional mental health help if you see them struggling with pandemic blues.
• Have conversations about your personal lives and stay with each other virtually for those moments.

How to communicate when someone asks for emotional support

• 1. Listen to understand
• 2. Ask them how they want you to help them (eg: just let them vent, provide suggestions)
• 3. Try to keep your personal views aside for a while and focus on understanding their point of view.
• 4. Ask open-ended questions to understand more about their feelings/experiences.
• 5. Let them know that you see and understand their situation.
• 6. Try to validate their feelings before giving any advice.
• 7. Don’t minimize their issues by citing examples of others facing worse problems
• 8. Don’t make it about yourself by talking about your own issues