DO listen without judgement.
DON’T interrupt or speak over.
DO ask, “How can I help?”
DON’T tell someone how they should feel.
DO let someone know you care and listen with the intention to understand, not fix.
DON’T jump in with solutions, tell someone the illness or feelings are a choice.
DO tell someone you want to listen and it’s not a burden.
DON’T pressure someone to speak.
DO validate someone’s feelings.
DON’T belittle someone’s feelings.
DO be patient.
DON’T say, “you just need to….” It’s not that simple.
DO keep in touch even if you don’t get a response.
DON’T exclude someone.
DO empathize.
DON’T be critical nor be afraid to talk about feelings.