David Saunders
By any measure, life’s challenges can come at you like an unexpected hailstorm—sometimes a sprinkle, sometimes a deluge. Grief, anxiety, breakups, burnout—none of it sends a polite warning first. And while no one escapes unscathed, what we can do is learn how to walk beside others when their road gets rocky.
It turns out that simply caring isn’t always enough. More and more people are realising that supporting someone through their lowest lows takes more than good intentions—it takes training, tools, and a bit of self-awareness. Fortunately, there’s a growing movement of people equipping themselves with precisely that.
“Training can include various tools and strategies, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to support others in ways that foster resilience and growth.”
The Many Faces of Life’s Challenges
No two stories are alike. One person’s struggle might be quietly hidden behind a professional smile, another’s out in the open like a slow-moving thundercloud. The important part? Recognising that these situations are complex. Supporting someone through them requires empathy, yes—but also practical understanding. If we’re rushing in with platitudes or fixing when we should be listening, we’re likely doing more harm than good.
It’s not about having the answers. It’s about understanding the question.
Training: More Than Just a Certificate
Formal education in counselling, psychology, or therapeutic fields arms individuals with the right kind of insight. That could mean a full master’s degree in counselling or something more modular—either way, the goal is the same: to provide support that sticks.
Take the Licensed Professional Counsellor (LPC degree) route, for instance. It’s a journey into human behaviour, clinical techniques, and real-world application—all aimed at building emotional resilience in others.
“Students of such programs learn therapeutic methods that emphasize listening, problem-solving, and emotional processing.”
This isn’t abstract theory. It’s the kind of know-how that helps you spot the difference between someone needing a sounding board and someone in genuine crisis.
Trust: The Quiet Glue That Holds It All Together
You can’t fast-track trust. It’s built slowly—conversation by conversation, silence by silence. And it only holds if it’s wrapped in patience and a bit of humility. Showing up consistently, being present without judgment, and letting someone set the pace are far more impactful than offering solutions from the jump.
“It’s crucial to remember that sometimes just being present and listening is enough to offer the support someone needs.”
No grand speeches. Just presence.
Listen Like You Mean It
Active listening is more than nodding at the right moments. It’s leaning in—mentally and emotionally—so that the other person feels truly heard. That means no distractions, no jumping in with advice, and no hijacking the conversation with your own experiences.
It also means asking real questions—the kind that don’t pry, but invite. That doesn’t steer, but supports.
Spotting Trouble Before It Spills Over
People rarely announce when they’re not coping. Instead, it’s subtle: a change in energy, social withdrawal, a sudden short temper. Recognising these early warning signs means you’re in a position to step in before things spiral.
The key is approach. No fanfare. Just a quiet “You doing alright?” and the space to answer honestly.
Coping Strategies: One Size Does Not Fit All
Forget the Instagrammable wellness routines—this isn’t about what looks like self-care. It’s about helping someone find what actually works for them. That might be journaling, walking the dog, or five minutes of deep breathing before bed. The magic lies in offering options, not prescriptions.
And if they don’t click with something right away? That’s fine too. Coping is a process, not a product.
Support Without Smothering
Here’s where it gets tricky: knowing when not to help. Or rather, when to step back. Because sometimes, in our eagerness to be there, we overstep. We push too hard. We give advice where none was asked for. Knowing where your responsibility ends—and a professional’s begins—is crucial.
“Letting the person know you’re there for them without trying to take over the situation is key to maintaining a healthy, supportive relationship.”
Be the safety net, not the puppet master.
Don’t Forget Yourself
This part gets lost more often than not. If you’re the one doing the supporting, you have to look after yourself too. Otherwise, you’ll burn out—and then you’re no good to anyone. Rest, hobbies, alone time—these aren’t luxuries, they’re essential maintenance.
Gently reminding others of the same helps them build their own resilience.
Life’s challenges don’t come with a manual. But by investing in our ability to support each other—through listening, learning, and knowing our limits—we make those rough patches a little more navigable.
Whether you’re a friend, partner, or trained professional, showing up with empathy and intention can change someone’s entire outlook.
And if you’re still not sure what to do?
Start with this: Just ask how they are, and mean it.
