Stage 7 of 7 · 6 lessons · ~1 week
Being support, and when support is not enough
Support systems work both ways. Learn to be a good listener and friend, keep giving without burning out, and recognise when you or someone else needs professional help rather than friends.
Start: Give and takeLessons· one lesson for each topic, in this order
Do this
- Do one small thing for a friend who has supported you
- Practise listening for five minutes before giving any advice
- Set one kind limit where you are carrying too much
- Write down how to reach a crisis line and emergency services where you live
- Note the counselling service at your university or workplace
- Revisit your support map from stage 1 and update it
Start with· follow one of these
- BookPaidNonviolent Communication: A Language of Life (Marshall B. Rosenberg)
Marshall B. Rosenberg (PuddleDancer Press) · Paid book
A clear way to listen and respond with empathy instead of advice
- GuideFreeMind: mental health information and support
Mind
Plain-language guides on how to help someone and when to seek professional help
Keep handy
Also worth your time
- Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World (Vivek H. Murthy)Go deeperPaid
How giving and receiving support builds lasting connection
Before moving on: One small act of support for a friend done, one listening conversation practised, a limit set where you were carrying too much, and the professional services and crisis line you would use written down.
Be the friend you needed when you were new and alone: listen, check in, show up. And know your limits: some struggles need a professional, and helping someone find one is real care.
Struggling right now? If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact local emergency services or a crisis line: Find a helpline (any country), Umang (Pakistan), Tele-MANAS, 14416 (India).