Six Ways To Help A Loved One That is Struggling Right Now

This post is sponsored by Depend.

So, we got a bit of bad news recently from a close family member. While I’m not ready to share what that news is or what kind of news it is, we want to really to be able to support that family member in any way we can. We know that this family member will really need us to be there. My parents have the love language of always being helpful and when their friends and loved ones have struggled, it’s inspired me to see how I can help others. I came up with some suggestions of how YOU can support someone in your life who’s going through something tough. Here are six ways to help a loved one that is struggling right now.

1. Be a “Good Listener”

Check your ego at the door and just be available to listen. Whether in person, on the phone or on a video call. Just listen. Let your loved one vent, cry, scream, rage, whatever they need to do to help them to feel better. You may not agree with their feelings, but this is the time to speak your opinion. This is the time to be a good listener.

2. Meals

Your loved one may not feel like cooking right now and that’s understandable. You can help by organizing a meal train (there are free apps that make it easier to set up), or by getting some restaurant gift cards so they can get something delivered. You can even drop off some groceries for some things they can just heat up. When my father was home alone during the lockdown, I made trips to the grocery store for him because I wanted him to stay home (he’s immune compromised). Seems like a little thing, but not having to stress about food can make that person relax. Even bringing over some groceries so they don’t have to go out and get staples or their favorite Ben and Jerry’s flavor is helpful. You can even use a service like Instacart, Shipt, Door Dash or Uber Eats or give them a gift card so they can access what they need.

3. Chores

Will your loved one let you help with chores around the house? Stocking their fridge, mowing their lawn, feeding and caring for their pets, winterizing or summarizing their home, taking children to and from school, paying bills; are all things can help your loved one. Also, there may be tasks such as legal or financial documents that they may not want to handle alone. Offer to take them to a lawyer/accountant/bank or maybe have them appoint you or another person close to them power of attorney.

4. Picking up Essentials and Medicines

Your loved ones may need medicines, cleaning products, personal care products (like Depend), vitamins, etc – offer to pick up what they need or have it delivered.

5. Distraction

Distraction also can help. Compile a list of good reads for their Kindle app, pick up some best sellers, or make a list of good streaming movies for your loved one. Maybe send them my list of online workouts if they feel like exercising, offer to accompany on them on a socially distanced walk. Make them a funny video and send it to them right from your phone. I have a friend who is going through a hard time at her job right now and I send her custom videos that I make to get her to smile. Also, meditation and yoga can help the mind and spirit – check out my September post for Depend – Six Ways to Be Less Stressed.

6. Finding or Being a Caregiver

While this may not apply to your loved one’s situation, your loved one may want you to be a caregiver or help them find a caregiver. Start by visiting our friends at https://happyhealthycaregiver.com‘s blog to find out some tips on this.

Do you have any tips to add to this? How do you support your loved ones?

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Top image: by Gisela Merkuur from Pixabay