| When a family or friend may need to see a counselor | | | | 5. Nurture and encourage them through the process |
| or therapist for mental health help: | | | | checking in every week to see how they are doing. |
| 1. Affirm them and express your unconditional love for | | | | Go the distance and don't abandon your friend after |
| them. | | | | the initial commitment to see a counselor. Check in |
| People need to know you stand by them no matter | | | | periodically and see how they are doing. |
| what and embrace them even when they error or | | | | 6. Encourage the family to be affirming and not critical. |
| make a fool of themselves. | | | | Get others involved to help show encouragement so it |
| 2. Tell a story of another wonderful person who in a | | | | comes from a multiplicity of well meaning people. |
| time of struggle found help from a counselor and | | | | 7. Be sure to have fun apart from all the heavy mental |
| overcame their dilemma. | | | | health issues. Take them out and enjoy life together. |
| We all turn to advisors, family, and friends we trust at | | | | Life is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated. Don't get |
| different pivotal times in our lives. There certainly is | | | | too heavy in your conversation with people struggling |
| nothing wrong with getting wise counsel pertaining to | | | | with elements of their lives. Lessening the intensity is a |
| any area of our lives. Such humility in doing so should | | | | great strategy for empowering people to be |
| be honored. | | | | resourceful. |
| 3. Commit to go with them to visit and meet the | | | | 8. Remind them happiness is an inside job. |
| therapist / counselor. | | | | Don't let people put unrealistic expectations on you, nor |
| Meeting unknown people, particularly professionals, for | | | | play the pity party. Express that happiness is an inside |
| the first time can be intimidating. Lessen the tension by | | | | job. |
| going with them. | | | | 9. Continually tell them how special they are. |
| 4. Honor and congratulate them for being committed to | | | | Affirm continually those lacking a sense of certainty. |
| personal growth and being willing to make positive | | | | 10. Expectantly talk about the future and the wonderful |
| changes. | | | | person they are becoming. |
| Salute and uphold a person who makes a commitment | | | | Nobody's past should determine their future. Make for |
| to personal growth. Anybody willing to make positive | | | | a new tomorrow by telling a person how wonderful |
| changes and work on themselves is a quality person. | | | | they are today, by speaking to their potential and ability. |