by Doreen Martel

Created on: April 03, 2010   Last Updated: May 11, 2012

Friends, family members or coworkers at some time or another will need support and encouragement. This could be the result of a devastating change in life (e.g., a death in the family), health change or other similar challenges. At these times, it is inherent upon us to reach out and offer our support and encouragement. Even if you do not think that you have the capacity to offer support and encouragement, chances are your willingness to be there, and to listen may very well be enough.

Not everyone needs financial support when they are facing challenges, sometimes just offering a friendly ear or a shoulder to cry on can be very beneficial. Each situation must be carefully evaluated, the isolation that a person may feel will have an impact and the level of need will also play a role in determining how much support and encouragement you can offer.

Evaluate the situation

Each situation is different; each will require different levels of both support and encouragement. The support you offer could be as simple as helping with simple household tasks, running errands or even being available for telephone calls. Helping boost someones spirits when they are feeling helpless just by letting them know you are there can make a serious difference in their lives.

Help with isolation

All too often, people feel isolated and do not know where to turn. For people in this situation, often a telephone call, or dropping in to say hello is more than enough. You may not feel that you are doing much of anything, but to the person who is feeling isolated the effort you took can make a world of difference.  For someone who has recently lost a job, you may be able to offer support by helping them network effectively. You may be able to help them craft a new resume, apply for benefits or a number of other "small" things that may seem insignificant to you, but to them can be a very significant event.

Be a shoulder to cry on

We may not always understand all of the issues going on in someones life. However, if we let them know that we are there for them, and make it a point to check in with them regularly, they may soon feel more comfortable and share the problems with us. Take for example a person who is suffering with depression. You know that there is something wrong. They may not be willing to admit that there is something wrong. However, if you trust your instincts and take a little extra care to support and encourage them even in little ways, you can make a huge difference in their outlook.

Reach out

Whether it is friends, family members or co-workers who seem to be struggling we have an obligation to reach out and do whatever we can to support and encourage them. Often, these things take time more than anything else. Being a good friend, a good sibling or a great co-worker can go a long way to helping someone through a difficult period of time.

Trust yourself

Always trust your own instincts. You know better than anyone the best ways to support and encourage someone who is going through a difficult time. Only you can determine the best ways to offer that support and encouragement, nobody can give you a "checklist" that is a one-size-fits-all proposition. Each situation calls for different types of support and encouragement.

Trying to help a friend or family member through a challenging time is often difficult. In most cases, while we can empathize, we do not always know the challenges that they face. Offering friendship, empathy and a shoulder to cry on is sometimes all that we can do, and in a significant number of cases, it may well be all that is needed.

Learn more about this author, Doreen Martel.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.