It can be challenging to find the right way to handle situations of distress in people. It’s especially difficult balancing compassion and professionalism.
Recognizing when someone is in distress and knows how to help is difficult, and it’s important to learn the signs and symptoms of someone in distress. On the positive side, recognizing someone’s distress can help them avoid remaining in their discomfort. It’s also an opportunity for you to address someone’s distress professionally, giving them hope and a better outlook on life.
Signs of Distress
It’s important to accept that distress symptoms can be tough to identify. In some individuals, there aren’t any indicators of distress outwardly because they could be keeping it well hidden within themselves.
Here are a few observable signs or symptoms of possible distress:.
Physical Signs
- Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Headaches and stomachaches that have no specific cause
- Tension or pain in muscles and joints
- Decreased energy, feeling tired all the time
- Seeming unwell constantly
Behavioural Signs
- Drastic decreases in personal hygiene
- Making excuses for not attending work or school
- Isolating yourself from family and friends
- Anger or upsets for absolutely no reason
- Expressions of hopelessness or despair
- Persistent negative complaints
What to do if you recognize Signs of Distress
If you believe that your family member, colleague, or friend is showing signs of distress, these are the steps that you can take:.
1. Let them know that you Care
It’s hard for individuals who are dealing with distress to come out and explain their problems to others. Nevertheless, showing them that you care can increase their comfort and reassure them.
Let them know that you care for them and you acknowledge what they are going through.
2. Ask them to explain how they feel
If someone indicates that they are distressed, they might find it helpful to share how they feel. Let them know that their concerns are safe in your hands and that you are here to encourage them.
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Methods for Identifying Distress
3. Show Empathy
Empathy entails the capacity to feel what someone else is going through. Listening without judging is important. If you do not really understand what they are going through first hand, trying to put yourself in their place can give you a decent idea.
4. Give Practical Assistance
For people who are in distress, simple duties might feel overwhelming.
Offering your time and providing practical assistance with things like going to appointments, grocery shopping, or even cleaning the house can provide a sense of relief and make tasks feel much less overwhelming.
5. Encourage them to seek Professional Help
If you believe that your loved one, friend, or acquaintance is coping with significant distress or has enduring issues, seeking professional help can be the best course of action.
Give them information about healthcare providers that can help them and support them in making an appointment.
Final Remarks
Recognizing when someone is distressed and knowing how to handle it is a delicate balance between compassion and professionalism. It is important to learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of someone in distress.
Understanding someone’s distress can help them avoid remaining in discomfort and can also be an opportunity to help address someone’s distress professionally, give them hope, and a better outlook on life.
