3 Ideas for Helping a Colleague Facing a Health Challenge
Facing a health challenge of any kind can be difficult, and knowing what to say or do can sometimes feel impossible. Whether you’re having trouble finding the right words, unsure of how best to support your friends and colleagues during these times, or just looking for advice on your role, there are plenty of ways to be helpful during this trying time.
1. Help Them Set Realistic Goals
Once a colleague has begun treatment for their health challenge, the most important thing you can do is to help them set realistic, attainable goals. Oncologists stress that cancer patients must focus on what they can achieve rather than what they have lost. As hard as it may be, it’s almost always better to be optimistic and focus on what can be accomplished rather than what cannot.
When helping a friend or close colleague with their health challenge, sharing your thoughts and feelings regarding the situation and treatment is essential. The more honest the discussion is, the more helpful it will be for your friend or colleague going through this difficult time.
2. Be Sensitive to What They Need
Facing a health challenge can make it difficult to attend social or work events, so try to be sensitive if you’re invited to an event, and remember that your friend or colleague may not want these events on their own. You may find that they need to be more relaxed and relaxed with their treatment to attend, in which case you should respect their wishes and refrain from inviting them. At the same time, they are focusing on treatment regimens and other aspects that have nothing in common with the workplace. It can encourage a sense of ease and normalness for your friend or colleague.
3. Be Available to Listen and Provide Support When You Can
Maintaining an ongoing relationship with your friend or colleague is essential during treatment as it can provide someone in need with a way to talk through any issues, emotions, or concerns they may have. Finding the right balance of attention versus overinvolvement for your friend or colleague is essential. Avoiding being overly attentive can be beneficial because you won’t make your friend or colleague feel pressured to discuss things they aren’t ready to discuss. It may also help your friend or colleague avoid feeling like they need to hide things from you if they don’t want you to know. This type of friendship is suitable for both parties, as it allows for unconditional support at any time and does not require the other person to reciprocate.
The impact that your support can have on the life of a friend or colleague is invaluable. While you may not be able to remove the stress your colleague is experiencing, you can help lessen the burden and assist them with finding ways to cope with the stress they are feeling. It would help if you didn’t take matters into your own hands. If your friend or colleague seems hesitant about treatment or their situation changes over time, you should encourage and support them in making the best decisions for them alone.
