How May I Show Up For Others And Myself?

Support plays an integral role in our lives, providing us with assurance and motivating us to persevere through our challenges. It is important to show up for not only others but ourselves, too.?

Some people may be afraid to reach out for support and open up due to the unfamiliarity and uncertainty. Besides that, lack of self-support and self-trust hinders establishing trust with others. Learning how to support others and yourself in terms of mental health may be a tricky task; however, worry not, as we have some tips for you!

As we show up for others, practising mindfulness, being non-judgemental, and actively listening to others, showing that they are not going through their challenges alone is good. As shared by our community, showing up can increase self-compassion and mental health knowledge, allowing you to better aid others in your community.?

Let’s look at ways our peers have shown up for others and themselves!

#1 Validating Struggles

Acknowledging challenges that others face allows them to feel supported. We can practice validation by using the 3 A’s:

• Affirming: Offering others with emotional support or encouragement
• Assuring: Reminding them that they have circle of support that will help them if needed
• Asking Questions: Gain a better understanding of their challenges to find proper solutions

By practising the 3 A’s, it helps to build rapport and trust between you and others, allowing them to be more willing to open up.

#2 Sharing about own experiences

Using your lived experience to support others may be a vulnerable thing. However, it reminds them that they are not alone and inspires others by their mental health journey, thus having to overcome the respective mental health challenges together. It is also important to practice safe space for others and provide trigger warnings before sharing.

#3 Being a friend?

Practising being a friend to others helps you learn how to befriend yourself. Not only will you have a circle of support that can provide regular check-ins and a listening ear, but self-care and honesty can be normalised, hence increasing understanding of self-compassion.

#4 Self-Acceptance

Accepting that we are enough despite facing challenges allows us to develop compassion and empathy for ourselves and others. We can do this by talking to our younger selves or sharing our experiences with others, showing accountability for our actions and circumstances.

Showing up is one of the many thematic sharing during the Circles of Resilience (CR) sessions - our peer support group for young adults. Join the authentic conversations in a safe space at?tinyurl.com/register4CR, and journey with a community of like-minded individuals through resilience and recovery.

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