COVID 19: How to Support One Another

In further detail...

Treat the person with respect and dignity. Listen non-judgmentally, and respect the person’s privacy and confidentiality. 

Offer consistent emotional support and understanding. In difficult times, we all need additional love and understanding. Remember to be empathetic, compassionate and patient.

Have realistic expectations. Accept the person as they are. Tough times can make it harder than usual to do everyday activities like cleaning the house, paying bills or feeding the dog.

Give the person hope. Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, they will feel better and there is hope for a more positive future.

Provide practical help. Offer help with overwhelming tasks, but be careful not to take over or encourage dependency. For example, offer to bring groceries over.

Offer information. Provide information and resources for additional support, including self-help strategies and professional help. For example:

• Self-help books based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Researchers have sought to develop a CBT-based guided self-help intervention that may prove useful for adults with intellectual disability in addition to depression or other mental health challenges for which CBT has been shown to be helpful.
• Computerized therapy. Self-help treatment programs delivered over the internet or on a computer; some are available free of charge.
• Relaxation training. Teaching a person to relax voluntarily by tensing and relaxing muscle groups; some programs are available for free online.
• Complementary therapies. Scientific studies of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, exercise and dietary supplements have shown that these therapies do make a difference for depression.
• Free spiritual wellness counseling, such as those offered by local churches and community groups.

Article source: MHFA