Natural Helpers
Introduction
We have identified stressors and stress management techniques. What happens, though, when stress, depression, or anxiety becomes too heavy of a burden to carry on your own? We often need help to get through these times and that is normal and perfectly okay! As peers, YOU are the people in the best position to recognize and help each other during these times. Knowing some basic listening strategies allows you to help friends. It’s also important to recognize when adult or professional help may be needed and to connect friends to these resources.
Watch
- https://bit.ly/2XwqSN2 Links to an external site. – SpunOut.ie “6 Tips for Active Listening #Little Things” (YT 2:13)
Visit
- https://bit.ly/3czcojQ Links to an external site. – U Lifeline “Signs a Friend Might Need Help”
- https://bit.ly/2A1SyR2 Links to an external site. – Psychology Today “How to Be a Natural Helper”
Key Ideas
- LISTEN: Sometimes when we are struggling, what we need most is simply to be heard and understood! “Be Here Now” for your friend!
- DON’T FIX: When a friend is struggling, we naturally want to FIX the problem, but this is not what our friend needs. They need an empathic listener that can help them solve the problem for themselves.
- CONNECT: When a friend’s struggles feel beyond their or your control, connect them to an adult that both of you trust. They WILL be grateful in the end!
Apply
- With whom do you enjoy talking? Why are you drawn to that person?
- Brainstorm helpful resources in your school and/or community.
- Identify scenarios in which students often struggle. Assign one student to be the “struggler” and one student to be the listener. Practice listening skills.
- Challenge yourself to be completely present as a listener for a friend or family member three times this week. Note how it felt to be totally present and engaged when they spoke!