What to say instead: “I’m proud of you for how you’ve been handling this difficult time.”įocus on what they’re going through, not someone with another health issue. Just because you may think another crisis is more painful doesn’t mean they will. It’s important to respect that everyone experiences pain differently. We can always find something “worse” out there. Why is this harmful? “At least it’s not” statements are insensitive to your loved one’s pain. This lets them know that you recognize their strength, and that you’ll be there to support them on the days when they don’t feel so strong. Your loved one arrives every day fighting a difficult battle – they are already so strong. What to say instead: “You are a warrior, but I’m always here to lean on if you need me.” This saying also implies that this hardship should be viewed as a good thing because it provides strength. Why is this harmful? Let’s start with the basics: The word “kill” simply doesn’t belong in a conversation with someone going through a health crisis. “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” Whether your loved one is or is not religious, it is still very kind to hear that someone is thinking of them and sending them positive energy every day.
What to say instead: “I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers every day, and sending you good vibes.” Additionally, even if it’s not your intent, saying this can come off as self-righteous, like you are in control of what is or is not God’s plan.įinally, like ‘everything happens for a reason’, saying these words can minimize a patient’s or caregiver’s pain by implying that their grievances are all part of a plan that they must simply accept. Why is this harmful? This statement is problematic for a couple of reasons: First, not everyone is religious, or puts their trust in the same faith that you do. This statement shows your loved one that you recognize and validate their pain, and that nothing they’ve done has caused them to deserve what they’re going through. What to say instead: “I’m so sorry this is happening to you. This statement implies to your loved one that there is a good reason for their struggles, and they should just accept the situation the way it is. Why is this harmful? Saying that everything happens for a reason minimizes the patient’s or caregiver’s pain. Here’s what not to say to a patient or caregiver who is suffering: 1. No one wants to say anything that will make their pain worse, and so we often default to cliché language that isn’t actually all that helpful.Īuthors Emily McDowell and Kelsey Crowe of “There is No Good Card for This” cover 7 examples of unhelpful language to avoid when consoling patients or caregivers, and CaringBridge shares what you can say instead.
It can be disorienting to watch someone you love go through hardship.
We’ve all been in this situation before: A loved one is struggling with illness or grief, and we completely fumble for the right words to say, or possibly say nothing at all.
0 kommentar(er)
