(ThySistas.com) Being close to someone who has an illness, from chronic illnesses to serious diseases, can be a challenge all on its own. While it’s not the same as being ill, it can still have an impact on your life. You want to be there for your friend or family member, but you might be unsure about the ways in which you can help. You don’t want to make things worse for them, but nor do you want to ignore them. Finding the right balance and knowing what’s appropriate for you to do can be difficult. But there are plenty of ways you can support someone when they’re ill, whether you have a lot of time to give or only a little.
Simple Things You Can Do to Help
When someone you know is ill, you might feel at a loss for how you can help. It can seem like there’s nothing you can do that will make any difference to how they’re feeling. But just because you can’t change their situation, it doesn’t mean you can’t make it easier. One of the hardest things to do when you’re ill is to keep up with day-to-day activities, like cooking and cleaning. If you want to help out practically, offering to make a meal or clean their house can be helpful. There are lots of other practical things you can do, from driving their kids to school to bringing them some groceries.
Where to Find Outside Support
Another way you can show your support for someone is to get them help from others. You aren’t always in the best position to help them directly, but there are lots of services that could be useful for them. One thing you can do is get in touch with a charity that might offer services they can benefit from. For example, you can find many Jewish charities that help both adults and children who are ill or in the hospital. Sometimes to access the right people, you might have to go through a hospital, doctor, or advocate. They can help by providing emotional support, food, and care services too.
Empower Yourself with Knowledge
Being able to understand and empathize with someone when they’re ill is invaluable. If you want to be able to do this, it helps to understand some of what they’re going through. Of course, talking to them is one way to understand. But if you want to learn about their condition, it can be best to start by doing your own research. You can show that you’re willing to make an effort and educate yourself, instead of waiting for them to educate you.
How to Be a Good Listener
Presenting someone with a listening ear is one of the best things you can do for them. You don’t necessarily need to offer any practical advice. Being an active listener and showing empathy can demonstrate that you’re there for someone when they need you.
It’s hard to watch someone go through something tough, but there are lots of ways you can help. Show that you care for them by doing what you can.
Staff Writer; Mary Love