From time to time, we may find ourselves in situations we’re not all that happy to be in. Of course, we can all conjure up examples from our own lives, or at least use the experience of others as reference points when doing so.
Yet while we may feel able to be proactive when faced with an issue, it’s not always easy when a relative or friend needs our help. In these moments we may see the best of ourselves, but of course, we can only help to the extent we can, and not as much as we hope to.
If your relative suffers a medical issue, you may wish you could have it in their place or that you could remove it entirely without the need for a doctor, but driving them to the hospital and being there for emotional and practical support is all we can offer. It’s enough, but it doesn’t feel like enough in the moment.
In this post, then, we hope to help you help a friend or relative in trouble, by offering some helpful maxims to keep in mind:
Help Direct Them To The Right Professionals
We may want to help ourselves, and that’s great, but sometimes one of the best things you can do is help them find the right expert. For example, if they’re dealing with a legal problem, pointing them towards reliable criminal lawyers or a family law specialist is often more helpful than giving advice you’re not qualified to offer.
Such an approach could also mean helping them find a good therapist for emotional struggles, a financial advisor for money worries, or a reputable mechanic if their car breaks down. You’re acting as a guide, helping them access the specialized support they really need.
Be Kind & Understanding – Or At Least Listen
Now and again, what a friend or relative truly needs when they’re in trouble isn’t a solution, but just someone to listen. They might feel somewhat stunned, confused, or even embarrassed about their situation, and in those moments, just offering a kind ear without judgment can be powerful. Let them talk things out, share their worries, and vent their frustrations without immediately jumping in with advice, as is often the impulse to do.
Even if you don’t fully understand what they’re going through, or if you feel they might have made some questionable choices, simply showing that you’re there for them can give them the tools to feel more proactive. We can all do with a little empathy and a patient ear, and in your case it can provide a real emotional outlet, helping them feel less alone and more supported when things are feeling pretty heavy.
Consider How Much Help You Can Practically Provide
Avoid the impulse to promise the moon when someone you care about is struggling, as it’s important to be realistic about what you can actually do. While your heart might want to fix everything, you also have your own life, your own responsibilities, and your own limits.
Think about what practical support you can truly offer without burning yourself out or creating more problems, but also think about where those can be stretched in very dire circumstances,. Perhaps you can manage a few childcare pickups, or help them sort through some paperwork for a limited time, but offering vast sums of money is out of the question. Sometimes, boundaries can even help.
With this advice, you’re sure to help a friend or relative in trouble with much more consideration.
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