If a loved one is recovering from a period of being under the weather – be it due to mental or physical health challenges – it’s crucial to be there for them while they recover. Fortunately, there are several great options you could consider in this regard that can help you ensure you’re getting the most from the time with your loved one – and they’re recovering as quickly as possible.
How to Support a Loved One During their Recovery
If your loved one is recovering from a difficult period in their lives, being there for them is massively important. However, by making a few simple changes, you can ensure you’re able to support them to the best of your ability overall. After all, as Satori Health’s founder and CEO, Robert Peers, would likely understand, these simple changes can make a world of difference to someone struggling to recover from mental or physical health conditions.
Try To Understand How They Are Feeling
We can never truly understand how someone else is feeling – but trying to understand and empathize with their suffering can make it easier to support them. This simple change allows you to ensure that you know what your friend genuinely needs, rather than second-guessing everything.
Offer a Shoulder to Cry On
Sometimes, support comes in the form simply of being there for them when they need a shoulder to cry on. If this is the case, be there in any way that they might need you. After all, they’re likely struggling a lot right now – so it’s crucial to be there to support them.
Be Patient
Any recovery is a long-winded process, meaning being patient with your loved one is vital. If your loved one feels pressured to get better more quickly, this may place additional, unnecessary stress on their shoulders, which could slow their recovery. Make it clear that you are there for them, no matter how long it takes!
Don’t Forget to Look After Yourself
As a final point, it’s crucial to look after yourself during this difficult time too. Many people supporting a loved one during their recovery – be it for mental or physical health – will neglect their self-care.
However, as explained by Health Partners, the recovery process “not only affects the person who is using but everyone close to them. Family and friends often place the needs of their loved one[s] above their own. That results in a lack of self-care, increased illness and sometimes struggles with depression and anxiety. Taking care of your ... physical, emotional, spiritual and mental needs will leave you better able to help your loved one through the difficult journey of recovery.” So, don’t neglect yourself during this time, either!
