How to Make Someone Feel Better When They're Injured
- Edd Siu
November 6, 2020
- When someone is in pain from an injury or post-surgery, not only are they experiencing physical pain and discomfort, but they're most likely they are also feeling emotionally distressed about it.
So what to say to someone who's in pain?
Nothing can be done to ease their discomfort. The only thing you can do to help is provide emotional support.
Here are some things you can say and do to help them comfort and help them feel a little better.Try to understand their pain.
Think about what it would feel like to be in their situation. Hear what they have to say. Listen and this will make you empathetic.
Empathy is the ability to understand someone else's feelings and what they are going through.
Validate how they feel.
"I can't imagine how hard and painful this must be for you. And I know you will get through this!"Celebrate their small victories.
"Hey, you showered by yourself today. Awesome job!"
"You are not taking X medications anymore, making great progress!"
Celebrate their small improvements, as insignificant as they may sound. This can help build their confidence and help them build momentum.Keep quiet and listen.
Sometimes, the best way to help someone is to listen to them. They might need to vent their frustrations. "There's nothing I can do or say to ease the pain, but I'm here for you."Make yourself useful.
Can I water your plants? Want me to get you donuts? Need help babysitting your pets? What can I help you with?
Acts of service go a long way and can help ease the mental load of their day-to-day responsibilities.
Here's the kicker. If you do acts of service (based on what they like) without them even asking, that will make them feel even better.Offer companionship.
Time is the best and greatest thing you can give someone. Come visit often, read them a book, play cards, etc. You don't even have to do anything, you can just sit on a chair and do your own thing. Some folks are content with the mere presence of a friend.
"I'm thinking of you."
Send them an occasional text or DM: "Hey, I'm thinking of you, hope you are feeling good." or "Hey, I'm praying for you." Simple sentences like these can provide so much emotional comfort to someone.
Keep their minds busy.
Ask them about the things they want to do when they recover. Perhaps even start planing some things. This will help them have something to look forward to. It will keep their minds busy with with such things instead of their current situation.
A word of caution.
I would also like to point out that it is important not to make a person feel worse. For example, if you are sad and someone else says "I'm so sorry," this may just make you feel worse about yourself.
If you are not able to cheer them up, the best thing I think is to listen. By listening, you let a person feel that they are important.
Respect their boundaries. Sometimes, someone wants to be left alone. Give them space.
To conclude...
Empathize with your loved one and let them know they are not alone in their pain. Even though you're not the one feeling it, you are with them to support them in their journey.
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