Dismissing or discounting a person’s feelings can be incredibly invalidating.
Your “positive” approach of “you’ll be okay” may backfire on you.
Here are 3 effortless approaches to speak to someone with a mental illness:
1. Be a hope peddler.
A leader’s number one commodity is hope. Give the person you’re speaking to a reason to look forward towards the next day.
2. Be fluid.
When you are formless (like water) you can adapt to any situation. You can constantly adjust yourself to the situations you’re in. Being rigid in your beliefs may lead to frequent disappointments along with unrealistic expectations.
3. Give positive recognition (even for the smallest things)
The human spirit yearns for recognition. Let people know that you’re paying attention to them. Notice them because they won’t tell you that’s what they want.
Be the change you seek!