In the past, people sometimes used everyday sayings when someone looked upset.
For example:
-
“You’ve got a face like a wet weekend.”
-
“Cheer up.”
-
“Snap out of it.”
-
“Don’t be so dramatic.”
These phrases were often said light-heartedly or without bad intention, but they can sometimes make someone feel:
-
Dismissed
-
Misunderstood
-
Ashamed of their feelings
Why These Phrases Can Be Harmful
When someone is struggling with their mental health, simple phrases like these may:
-
Minimise their emotional pain
-
Make them feel their feelings are not valid
-
Stop them from opening up again
Mental health struggles are not something people can simply switch off.
More Supportive Ways to Respond
Instead of dismissing feelings, supportive responses can include:
-
“I’m here if you want to talk.”
-
“That sounds really difficult.”
-
“You’re not alone in this.”
-
“Do you want to tell me what’s been going on?”
These responses show:
-
Compassion
-
Understanding
-
Willingness to listen
Key Message for Training
You do not need to have the perfect words.
What matters most is:
-
Listening
-
Taking the person seriously
-
Showing kindness and patience
Small supportive conversations can help someone feel less alone.
No comments:
Post a Comment