5 Missteps in Supporting A Loved One in Poor Health

The follow up to what to do, is what not to do…

Along with my earlier advice on what to do, it's just as important to know what not to do or say when someone you care about is dealing with health issues. Here are some common missteps:

1. Don’t assume.

It's easy to think you understand someone's health situation, but treatments and experiences vary greatly. Saying things like, “Oh, that treatment won’t be so bad,” might seem encouraging, but it can come across as insensitive. It may be more appropriate to ask your loved one how they are handling their situation instead of assuming you know.

2. Don’t compare.

Hearing, “My friend had the same thing and was fine,” can be more frustrating than helpful. Every health journey is unique, even with similar diagnoses. While you might want to offer hope, comparing situations can unintentionally invalidate what your loved one is going through.

3. Don’t judge.

Everyone experiences situations differently. What might seem like an over or under-reaction may be a genuine coping mechanism for your loved one. Practice empathy in these situations and try to put yourself in their shoes. This may help you develop compassion and understanding for what they are going through.

4. Don’t ask to be updated.

Expecting someone dealing with health issues to keep you updated can be an overwhelming ask. Also, if they aren’t updating you, don’t take it personally - they are likely focused on their treatment and recovery. The best ways you can keep in touch are to reach out, listen and connect. Just don’t expect them to be the ones initiating the conversation.

5. Don’t ignore the topic.

While you might think it's best to avoid talking or asking about your loved one’s health, this approach can come off as cold, uncaring and unsupportive. Their health may be a significant factor in their lives for an indeterminate amount of time. Let them decide if they want to talk about it or not. If they don’t want to discuss it, they’ll most likely let you know.

Remember, being there for someone isn’t about saying the perfect thing; it's about showing up and taking action to be there for them. Stay tuned for more insights, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!

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Take care & keep creating,