supporting loved ones

How to Support Someone With Chronic Illness, What to Say and What Actually Helps

Supporting someone with chronic illness over the long haul: believing them on good-looking days, what to say and skip, flexible plans, practical help without taking over, support for partners, staying connected, mood changes and looking after yourself.

How to Support Someone Coming Out, What to Say and What Helps

How to Support Someone Coming Out, What to Say and What Helps

An affirming guide to supporting someone who comes out: why your first response matters, what to say and avoid, privacy, parents with mixed feelings, names and pronouns for trans and nonbinary people, gay, lesbian and bisexual loved ones, support over time and counselling.

How to Support Someone With Anger Issues, Without Walking on Eggshells

How to Support Someone With Anger Issues, Without Walking on Eggshells

For the person beside someone with anger issues: what helps in the heated moment, what to say and avoid, talking later, encouraging counselling, supporting their progress, boundaries, when anger becomes abuse (with a safety box) and looking after yourself.

Gift Ideas for Someone With a Chronic Illness in 2026, Thoughtful and Low Pressure

Gift Ideas for Someone With a Chronic Illness in 2026, Thoughtful and Low Pressure

Thoughtful, low-pressure gift ideas for someone with a chronic illness: ask what helps, comfort gifts, low-energy fun, everyday energy savers, time and practical help, connection on their terms, what to write in a card, gifts to skip, partners and support for you.

How to Support Someone With Cancer Emotionally, What to Say and What Helps

How to Support Someone With Cancer Emotionally, What to Say and What Helps

What emotional support looks like, what to say and what not to say, specific practical help, supporting someone from a distance or at work, staying close over the long haul, when your partner has cancer, and looking after yourself.

How to Support Someone Who Self-Harms, What to Say and What to Avoid

How to Support Someone Who Self-Harms, What to Say and What to Avoid

For adults supporting a friend, partner or family member who self-harms: what self-harm often is and is not, how to start the conversation, what to say and avoid, getting through hard moments, emergencies, looking after yourself and how therapy helps.

How to Support Someone With Complex PTSD, Patience, Safety and Trust

How to Support Someone With Complex PTSD, Patience, Safety and Trust

C-PTSD-specific support: what ICD-11 says, responding to emotional flashbacks, how to talk, everyday safety, the push and pull of trust and closeness, shame, repair after hard moments, partners (with a safety note), friends, what to avoid and how trauma therapy helps.

How to Support Someone With Burnout, What Helps and What to Skip

How to Support Someone With Burnout, What Helps and What to Skip

For partners, friends and coworkers: what burnout is in WHO's words, signs to notice, how to listen, what to say and skip, practical ways to lighten the load, when they won't slow down, when it may be depression, and how counselling helps.

How to Support Someone With Schizophrenia or Psychosis, a Guide for Family and Friends

How to Support Someone With Schizophrenia or Psychosis, a Guide for Family and Friends

A calm guide for family and friends: what schizophrenia and psychosis can look like, how to talk when their reality feels different, what to say and avoid, everyday support, when it is a crisis, and caring for yourself.