
Reassure them that it’s OK to be sad and that it’s a normal response to what’s happening to them.
#Friends ill be there for you phone case how to#
Here are some tips on how to listen well. Listening is an important part of providing emotional support. Just listening to a person’s concerns or worries can be hugely helpful.Ī good listener tries to really tune in and listen to a person in the moment.

Compare their situation to somebody else you know, each person’s experience with cancer is unique.Ī good listener tries to be aware of someone’s thoughts and feelings as much as they can.Offer advice that they haven’t asked for.Take things personally if they seem angry or upset or don’t want to talk.Tell them to ‘be strong’ or ‘be positive’ – it puts pressure on them to behave a certain way.Say you know how they feel – we can’t ever know exactly how someone with cancer feels.Keep your relationship as normal and as balanced as possible.Share a joke or laugh with them if this seems appropriate.Offer support throughout the whole diagnosis - at the beginning, during and after treatment.Let them know that if they want to talk you’ll be there to listen - then make sure you are available.

Ring them up, send a card, note or text to say you’re thinking of them.Give them a friendly hand squeeze or hug – it can go a long way.Say if you feel awkward – it acknowledges the situation rather than pretending it’s not happening.

If you are open, honest and show your concern then you can be a great support. Here are some tips that might help you. People are often afraid of saying the wrong thing to someone with cancer. Research has shown that emotional support from family and friends can make a big difference to the quality of life of someone with cancer.
