How can you support patients experiencing emotional distress?

1 Listen empathetically

One of the most important ways to support patients experiencing emotional distress is to listen empathetically. This means showing genuine interest and concern for their feelings, thoughts, and experiences, without judging, interrupting, or offering unsolicited advice. Empathetic listening can help patients feel heard, validated, and respected, and can also help you understand their needs and preferences better. To listen empathetically, use open-ended questions, reflect back what you hear, and express empathy and support.

2 Validate their emotions

Another way to support patients experiencing emotional distress is to validate their emotions. This means acknowledging and accepting their feelings, without minimizing, dismissing, or contradicting them. Validating their emotions can help patients feel understood, respected, and less alone, and can also reduce their defensiveness and resistance. To validate their emotions, use statements like "I can see how you feel that way", "That sounds very hard", or "It makes sense that you are feeling this way".

3 Provide information and resources

A third way to support patients experiencing emotional distress is to provide information and resources that can help them cope. This means giving them clear and accurate information about their condition, treatment, and prognosis, as well as options and alternatives that they can choose from. Providing information and resources can help patients feel more informed, empowered, and in control, and can also reduce their anxiety and confusion. To provide information and resources, use simple and understandable language, check for comprehension and consent, and refer them to reliable sources of support, such as counselors, support groups, or online platforms.

4 Encourage self-care and coping skills

A fourth way to support patients experiencing emotional distress is to encourage self-care and coping skills. This means helping them identify and practice activities that can enhance their well-being, such as relaxation, exercise, hobbies, or socializing. Encouraging self-care and coping skills can help patients feel more positive, resilient, and hopeful, and can also improve their physical and mental health. To encourage self-care and coping skills, use questions like "What do you enjoy doing?", "What helps you relax?", or "How do you cope with stress?"

6 Know your limits and boundaries

A sixth way to support patients experiencing emotional distress is to know your limits and boundaries. This means recognizing when you are unable to help, when you need to refer the patient to someone else, or when you need to take care of yourself. Knowing your limits and boundaries can help you avoid burnout, compassion fatigue, or ethical dilemmas, and can also protect your professional and personal well-being. To know your limits and boundaries, use strategies like self-awareness, supervision, debriefing, or peer support.