Everyone needs emotional support and especially during difficult times. Currently we are dealing with a high degree of uncertainty connected to the corona virus and upcoming election. You can’t control what you don’t have control over. This fact creates fear and anxiety.
Why do human beings need emotional support? Why do some people have plenty of it and others hardly any? If you want more then what’s the best way to get it?
Emotional Support is “The ability to show empathy, compassion, and genuine concern for another person.” It’s necessary for having a closer relationship or friendship. It helps you feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. Before I explain how to get emotional support from others, I want to emphasize The Importance of Giving it To Yourself. How can you be more empathetic or compassionate with yourself? TIP: Treat yourself like you would a best friend, child or anyone you care about. Listen without judgement!
A Personal Story:
I clearly remember beating up on myself for feeling bad. Unfortunately this happened too often. Sounds crazy, but I bet many of you can relate. For me, I felt like I deserved to feel bad and therefore should suffer the consequences of my inadequate actions. Instead of reaching out for comfort or emotional support I did the opposite. I hid my pain and acted like I felt good when I definitely didn’t.
Eventually I became unhappy with my response to feeling bad. Others encouraged me to stop doing it. I finally became open to doing it differently. Soon after that I went to a meditation retreat where the theme was Loving-Kindness… Starting with Yourself! It was amazing how much better I felt and how long it lasted. Now I stop myself when I start getting down on myself and practice a short loving kindness meditation. Check out Sharon Saltzberg’s books and videos to learn more.
How do you get more emotional support?
- Do unto others as you would want them to unto you. Be compassionate when those you care about are upset or worried whether it makes sense or not.
- Continually show that you care. Pay attention to positive and negative verbal and non verbal language. Look at someone’s eyes (not the newspaper or your cell phone) and acknowledge them when they are speaking. Be Kind and Be Present!
- Ask for it! If you don’t ask you are less likely to get what you want or need. People can’t read your mind. Make a specific request for someone to listen as you express what is making you feel bad. Ask a friend to do something you both would enjoy.
Another possibility is to get an emotional support animal. This has become more and more popular over the past several years. Pets in general can be an excellent source of comfort and emotional support. Since mid March more people have gotten pets. Makes sense :-).
Always curious to hear your suggestions. What have I left off? Please send me an email or text message.
Cheers to giving and getting emotional support!
MarGO!
Professional Counselor, Business, Career and Life Coach
404-218-4559
MargoGeller@Gmail.com
www.MargoGeller.com
