What Can You Do For Others?
What Can You Do For Others?
I love this quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because it describes the intent behind my work as a therapist. As a helper, its important for me to lend a hand and offer support to others when I can. Today, many people are suffering silently through depression, stress, grief, trauma, loneliness, addiction and anxiety. Unfortunately, some people have access to quality medical care and therapists while others do not. As a result, there are millions of people that are left to manage their mental health challenges alone. However, the truth is that you don’t have to be a mental health professional to help others during difficult times. There are a few things that you can do to help others in need.
Check on Your People.
“Your People” is anyone that you care about and have relationship with that you haven’t seen or talked to in a while. You can check on them through a telephone call, text, email, or a visit. Sometimes people run across our mind at random times. I believe that’s God’s divine way of giving us a nudge to reach out. You may discover that the person was having a hard time and in need of a listening ear or a word of encouragement. Often times, letting someone know that you were thinking of them can be enough to change the direction of their day,
Actively Listen.
Sometimes its easy to try and give advice or try to fix a loved ones problems. But most times people just need to vent and express how they feel. Actively listening involves providing your undivided attention, putting away your cell phone, and any other distractions, giving appropriate eye contact, and physically positioning yourself in a way that shows that you are engaged in the conversation. Now is not the time to share what happened to you or finish the other person’s sentences. Actively listening provides the speaker with the feeling of being heard, seen, and understood. Isn’t that what we all want?
Lastly, Be Kind.
There are various ways that you can be kind to others. Being kind is the simplest way to help others and make a positive impact on the world. For example, complimenting someone at the grocery store, sending a prayer or word of encouragement to a friend before a big interview, saying please and thank you, getting a cup of coffee for your coworker, expressing gratitude to those who help you, driving slower, sharing, the list can go on and on.
Helping others is an intentional act that comes from the heart and there is no right or wrong way to do it. The things that we do that make the biggest impact are often not big things at all.
Be Well,
Danielle
*If you or someone you know is experiencing significant mental health distress please contact your local hospital and/or a trained mental health professional.