Depression, Anxiety, Emotional Trauma

If you have a friend or family member battling depression, anxiety, and/or emotional trauma, present or past, here are a few things that could be helpful to know:

Pulling away and giving a silent treatment is one of the worst things one can do to a friend in trauma.

But some people aren't sure HOW to react or WHAT to say, right?

Let them know they are not alone.

Let them know you love them.

Be the strength they do not have.

And most importantly BE consistent...

When you choose to ignore someone going through a painful time, you are then no longer a safe space.

What CAN you do?

**Never, ever give up on them - no matter how long the healing process takes. It may be years, and that is ok.

It took years to be hurt at this level.

Healing is HARD work.

They are still loveable.

They are worth it.

They have so much to give and gain.

Show up. Be YOUR authentic self.

Remind them of HOPE and pay attention to the lessons you too are learning along their journey for your future self and for the highest good of all.

It's normal for them to pull away from friends and activities.

They may cancel plans at the last minute and may or may not give you a reason-it’s not personal.

They may drop the ball. Whether it's calling you back or responding to your message or finishing a project on time, they may not get things done. Give them grace and reach out AGAIN.

They may smile, look fine, appear to be "happy." Internally, they are fighting the toughest battle of their lives. Survival, healing...and it's freaking HARD. Those happy moments are just as REAL as the hard moments you may not witness... Love them anyway.

Just because you can't see it or feel it doesn't mean it's not there.

Small things that happen might cause them to go back into trauma response. They may react to small stresses in a way that doesn't seem appropriate.The work of healing is HARD. For most people, it is the hardest thing they will ever do. The struggle is real.

If you haven't witnessed or experienced this struggle or you don't understand it, its okay. Your not supposed to have all the answers. You can still show up and love them anyway.

This can be a silent struggle for many. I hope you retain and share this message, maybe in your own way to touch others. Mental Health should not be a hidden topic. And I'll continue to be real with topics, thoughts and conversations with whomever is listening. Let's break these cycles and choose something different. Leaning INTO yourself and humanity a little more everyday.

May this post give you the ways to help others when you do not know what to do for them.

XO, Aubrey