"Don't feel sad. It happens. You are a fighter." Little did I know at that time, but I was making things worse by many such statements.
I felt helpless as I witnessed someone close and someone whom I knew to be strong to become hopeless and depressed.
"What can I do? Why is this happening?"
Learning about mental health as a caregiver for more than a decade, I tried to find some answers, always trying to develop skills which could help.
Eureka! I found the simple answer - I need to LISTEN.
Mind matters are important and should not be ignored.
Everyone faces mental health challenges and only a few take professional help.
As a professional coach and psychotherapist at SunnyConnect, I have found a powerful skillset to offer a safe space for people to be heard.
1) Be present - When with another human being, be fully present. Be curious and interested in what the other person has to say.
2) Listen - Ignore the thoughts and chatter in your head and listen in silence with a non judgmental attitude and with all your heart.
3) Ask - Don't assume, don't tell, don't advise. A good question is about the person, the feelings and not the problem.
4) Acknowledge - Appreciate authentically what is working well. Ignore the negatives.
In coaching sessions the client is able to share freely and openly; shed inhibitions and beliefs which don't serve them; acknowledge their own thought process and feelings; and most importantly understand that the solution and the choice to move forward lies within them.
What skills or behavior in others allows you to share your deepest feelings and thoughts with them?
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