A simple act such as lending a listening ear can be a great support to others.
Mental health challenges can affect just anyone. Be considerate when speaking to others as you may not know what they are going through. Even though mental health conditions may not be obvious at times, mental health disorders can have a significant impact on a person's life, as well as those around them.
Early intervention increases the chance of recovery. You can help by encouraging them to seek help and support them through the journey.
Stigma towards persons with mental health conditions serves as a barrier for one to seek help and be open about their state of mental well-being with others.
Despite having a need for mental support, youths may not be comfortable speaking to a counselor or teacher due to fear of the conversation being leaked. This is where Peer Supporters can come in and provide informal support through listening and journeying through the difficult times together.
The main source of stress identified by the same 1000 survey respondents were the risks of people around them getting infected by COVID-19 and financial loss such as losing work opportunities. With the pandemic affecting the entire country, the chances of someone around us facing mental health challenges can be high.
1. IDENTIFY THE PERSON’S FEELINGS
“You must be feeling … because…” “Are you feeling …. Because…” “Could it be that you’re feeling … because…?”
2. CLARIFY YOUR UNDERSTANDING ABOUT HIS/HER FEELINGS
“Correct me if I’m wrong, it seems like you’re feeling… because you need…?”
3. REFLECTING AND VALIDATING HIS/HER PERSPECTIVE AND FEELINGS
“I believe that you are…”
1. PRACTICE ACTIVE LISTENING
Provide a listening ear instead of trying to give suggestions. More often than not, the other party will be more comfortable knowing that someone is paying them attention.
2. DO NOT PRESSURE THEM TO SPEAK
Respect what the other party wishes to disclose
3. VALIDATE THEIR FEELINGS
Reaffirm them that you are listening
e.g. “I’m here to listen.”
1. LISTEN to the person’s experiences
2. RESPOND directly to his/her experiences instead of yours
3. CLARIFY your understanding about his/her feelings
4. REFLECT and validate his/her perspectives and feelings
5. AVOID undermining, discrediting, or correcting his/her experience
