Monday, September 16, 2013

Cheer Up

     Often, we may be faced with the challenge of trying to help a sad person cheer up.  If  we are together face to face, the first step is to give hugs and love.  If we are communicating  from a distance, we can still give words of love.
     Next, get them talking.   Listen and empathize.  Ask questions to get a better understanding of their situation and feelings.  Ask about their physical health and discover if they are eating well, taking their meds,etc.  Have them suggest possible solutions.
     Remind them of the good they are doing with their life.  Encourage them to feel hope that they can cope.  Ask what you can do to help.
     Don't be judgmental.  Don't be too fast to try to solve the problem or offer opinions and suggestions.  Don't get off the subject or start talking about your own problems.
     At times, we may be the sad one trying to cheer ourselves up.  We need to follow some of the same steps.  Talk to someone.  Try to understand the causes of our sadness and think of possible solutions.  Make sure we are taking care of our physical health.  Ask for help.
     Sadness comes to us all.  Hopefully any depression is temporary.  How do you help a sad person cheer up?

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