Counseling and Emotional Support Strategies

Jun 10, 2024

Counseling and Emotional Support Strategies

Counselor vs. Therapist

  • Counselor: Focuses on emotional regulation and day-to-day challenges.
    • Example: Counseling Psychologist.
  • Therapist: Deals with clinical cases and mental illnesses (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
    • Example: Clinical Psychologist with RCI credentials, Psychiatrist (MBBS background).

Importance of Listening

Key Points for Men

  • Lack of appropriate response when another man shares his problems.
  • Tradition of diverting issues (e.g., by drinking together) rather than addressing them.

Active Listening Techniques

  1. Provide a quiet, distraction-free environment.
  2. Paraphrase and ask questions to understand deeper issues.
  3. Avoid judgment, downplaying, or giving unsolicited advice.
  4. Empathy over sympathy: Understand and validate feelings.
    • Example: Personal story of a friend who opened up about childhood abuse after persistent listening and questioning.

Effective Ways to Support Friends

Do’s and Don’ts

  1. Don't: Judge, downplay issues, or give unsolicited advice.
  2. Do: Listen actively, empathize, and validate their feelings.
  3. Encourage therapy: If problems seem beyond casual conversation.

Practical Steps

  • Take time to genuinely listen and ask questions to uncover deeper issues.
  • Share personal experiences to encourage others to open up.
  • Recognize and respect individual differences in how people handle similar situations.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness

  • Address the stigma and cultural conditioning around men expressing emotions.
  • Advocate for men to allow themselves vulnerability and emotional openness.
  • Role of friends: Key in noticing behavioral changes and providing soft intervention.
    • Example: Noticing signs like disinterest or irritability and offering support.

Suicide Prevention

Recognizing the Signs

  • Planned and methodical behavior changes: Making amends, unusual social activity.
  • Sudden social engagement for those typically withdrawn.
  • Specific phrases indicating they are tying loose ends.

Actions to Take

  • Always respond to calls or messages expressing distress, even at odd hours.
  • Be present physically or emotionally to offer immediate support.
  • In extreme cases, involve professional help (hospital, therapists) discreetly.
  • If appropriate, inform family but assess the familial environment first.
  • Use local and national helplines for immediate risks.

Personal Experiences

  • Personal involvement in prevention and the emotional weight it carries.

Resources and Training

  • Mental Health First Aid: Basic training in handling mental health crises.
  • Mental health startups and NGOs offering free services.
    • Example: Organizations like Mental Health Academy India.
  • Continuous learning and proper accreditation important for effective counseling.

Conclusion

  • Active listening, empathy, and proper access to professional help can make significant differences.
  • Encouraging continuous awareness and education on mental health, especially for men.

Final Message

  • Support and care are essential for mental well-being.
  • Sharing resources and educating on mental health can prevent crises and foster healthier communities.