Someone is Opening Up To You. Now What?

You know that moment when someone says they're "fine" but you can tell something's up? Maybe it's the way they look or sound, or you've noticed they're acting different lately. That's distress, showing up in all sorts of ways.

If you want to help, it's normal to feel unsure about what to say.

Here are some ideas to gently encourage someone to open up:

• "Are you sure? If you want to talk, I'm here."

• "It seems like something's bothering you. I'm here to listen if you want to share."

• "I've been 'fine' before – I'm here if you want to chat."

• "Do you want to hang out later? We could grab a coffee or go for a walk."

• "That didn't sound very convincing. I'm here if you need to talk."

So, someone's starting to open up to you. What now?

Do:

• Listen. Really pay attention and try not to talk about yourself unless they ask.

• Ask if they've thought about what might help them feel better. Offer support and encourage them to follow through.

• Keep things private, unless it's an emergency.

• Reassure them that having a tough time is common and there are ways to feel better.

• Plan to check in later. It takes courage to speak up, so exchange contact info and touch base in a few days. You could also look up helpful resources in case they need them.

Don't:

• Tell them how they should feel or think.

• Use words like "crazy."

• Tell them what to do. Instead, ask how you can help.

• Assume they want advice. Sometimes, they just need someone to listen.

• Compare their situation to others. It can make them feel like their feelings don't matter.

• Try to fix everything. Offer support, but don't feel like you have to solve all their problems, especially if they might need professional help.

Taking care of your mental health is something you can do every day. These simple tips can help you feel happier, less stressed, and more balanced. So, why not give them a try? Your mind will thank you for it!