Being present, focusing on their specific needs, listening without judging, hugging tightly and providing support are actions that allow us to provide good emotional support to friends and loved ones.
Emotional support is an essential and extremely useful tool for any individual who is going through a difficult reality. Those who offer it selflessly with good intentions appeal to their empathy , their capacity for active listening and their genuine desire to accompany and see well a family member, close friend, colleague or friend who, for different reasons, is not at their best. . There are also mental health experts who have knowledge and resources to professionally help those who need to strengthen themselves emotionally .
It is important that, if you experience deep sadness or emotional ups and downs that threaten the normal development of daily activities, suffer an anguish crisis, not be able to overcome adversity on your own, or be in a period of mourning suffering from stress , depression or other problems. that may appear after the irreparable loss of a loved one, seek and request psychological, spiritual and emotional help as soon as possible. In these scenarios, it is advisable to have quick access to free psychological help lines , the telephone number of a center or assistance agency for crisis intervention and/or suicide prevention , or the number of mental health emergency services .
It is valuable to know that there are different modalities and alternatives when it comes to requiring benefits or gestures of emotional support . Broadly speaking, direct (without intermediaries, personalized) and indirect (through the intervention of someone who applies techniques) are recognized, as well as formal emotional support (framed in a psychotherapeutic structure) and informal emotional support (from from relatives, friends , people who volunteer , etc.).
Bases of emotional support
Emotional support has (or should have, in an ideal scenario), bases linked to understanding, patience , generosity, empathy , the capacity for dialogue and the power of resolution.
Offering and providing it requires a certain preparation of therapeutic roots and common sense but also skills for active listening , communication and emotional validation . It is ideal to obtain advice in order to be able to assist in the best possible way those who have a severe crisis or are in an emergency situation and, therefore, need immediate and precise help to stabilize psychologically. Acting as a lifesaver for a suffering person is a great example of humanity, although it also represents an enormous responsibility: you must intervene in the right and correct measure so as not to hinder or exacerbate the situation.
There are appropriate techniques to quickly evaluate the subject with signs of mental disturbance and react efficiently in order to demonstrate support and transmit calm and encouragement . If it is an unknown person whom you are trying to accompany and calm to make them safe from a possible decision that puts their own existence or the physical integrity of a third party at risk, then the priority after confirming that they are out of danger will be to locate them. to one or more members of the individual's support network (whether a family member, friend, therapeutic companion, etc.).
We must not lose sight of the fact that the most accurate and convenient emotional support is that which is obtained by undergoing therapy with a suitable specialist or attending psychological counseling sessions .
Having support groups available to share sorrows, not suffering the consequences of loneliness or surrounding oneself with people with whom one can feel identified and understood also strengthens, provides tranquility and encourages demonstrations of love, respect and interest for others.
It is comforting to build strong ties and good personal relationships to have a human support network in which to take refuge and find support in difficult times.
Mental health habits and care
Having healthy habits over the years and taking precautions to protect mental health benefits the body in general. It will always be advantageous to lead a life that is as orderly and healthy as possible where there is space for everything that adds to emotional well-being , comfort , happiness and relaxation : spending quality time with friends and family, reserving moments for leisure and entertainment, doing physical exercise , practicing yoga and meditation , taking care of your nutrition with a balanced diet and having a restful rest every day (experts recommend guaranteeing at least seven hours of sleep ) are the keys to a strong immune system and an existence with healthy levels. low stress .
From the acceptance of each circumstance that we have to go through, optimism , positivity , optimism and gratitude , energy is improved and day to day life, despite the difficulties that arise over time, becomes pleasant and more bearable. .
Sharing life with a pet benefits human health because it helps improve mood, reduce stress levels, have unconditional company and find an affectionate and noble pillar in emotional matters.
It relieves, it is restorative and it is essential for absolute healing , likewise, being able to externalize emotions , ask for help in time and not be afraid or ashamed to coordinate an appointment with a specialist in Psychology . Nor should we underestimate symptoms or self-diagnose: mental health professionals are the only ones qualified and trustworthy to, after meeting with a patient, evaluate their condition and determine, as appropriate, if the case falls under mood disorders. , a psychotic break , etc.