Comforting Words: What to Say and Do in Tough Times

TRY THIS: “You are very important to me and nothing will ever change that.” Or “You’re a wonderful person and I wish I could take away this pain from your heart.” Or simply, “Can I give you a hug?” These quotes also work for a parent of someone struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health challenge. Many moms and dads feel ostracized in what is oftentimes a lifelong battle, and saying something kind can make a huge difference.

AVOID THIS: “Are you off your meds again?” Or “Cheer up! The sun’s out!” Or “I don’t understand why you can’t just snap out of it.” Let’s pause and remember that a mental health diagnosis is a medical struggle, not just a little bit of sadness or eccentric behaviour. This is a time to practice being judgment-free and accepting of each other.

SHOW YOU CARE: Take your friend out for coffee or drive an exhausted parent to visit their child at a mental health centre. Be present for someone who most likely feels very alone. One more tip: Do the conscientious thing when talking to a parent with a troubled child. If you have the perfect kid, avoid humble bragging in front of them. It can feel heartbreaking for a parent whose child may never get better.

TRY THIS: “I’m so sorry. I want to be here for you, in whatever way helps you the best.” You could even say, “I’m going to be checking on you more,” then commit to calling or making plans with her on a regular basis.

AVOID THIS: “They’re going to be okay.” Or “My friend’s son got the same thing and he’s totally fine now.” Sadly, as much as we want to predict a happy prognosis, it’s out of our control. Instead, keep that hope inside your heart and your caring will shine through.

SHOW YOU CARE: Drop off some groceries at their front door or order pizza and get it delivered. Pull in their garbage cans on trash day. Send a gift to the family, like movie passes or bring a special treat for the children. Any little thing that can lighten their burden will be much appreciated.

TRY THIS: “I’m so sorry. It’s really unfair your family is going through so much stress.” When grown up kids are suffering, it’s a very troublesome kind of heartache. Approach your loved ones with gentleness and maybe some extra assurance, “I will always love you and your family.”

AVOID THIS: “They’re too old to be acting like that.” Or “Your kid needs to straighten up!” Or “You should just cut them off.” Tough-love statements aren’t very helpful and can add extra anxiety. You may have excellent points, but someone once said it’s better to be kind than to be right. (And we agree.)

SHOW YOU CARE: Listen carefully to your family member: what they’re saying and what they’re not saying. Just having someone to vent to may be enough. But if you want to go the extra mile, bring over their kid’s favourite childhood meal or dessert. A little reminder of good times might bring some much-needed hope.

TRY THIS: “I know this is very difficult for you. How have you been doing?” Let your friend let off some steam—they may have been waiting for this moment to unload everything on their mind.

AVOID THIS: “Why are you so worried? They’ll be well taken care of.” Or “Why don’t you get your siblings to help you more?” From the emotional toil to the financial burden to the frustrations of the parent-child relationship, caring for an aging mother or father is no easy task. Our gift to our friends is to not add an extra layer of complication.

SHOW YOU CARE: A thoughtful note can work wonders when someone is stretched thin, depleted, and sad to see their parent’s declining health. If your friend likes company, offer to run errands with them or take them to a lighthearted movie to get their mind off things for a few hours.

TRY THIS: “You’re my friend and I want you to feel supported and loved.” Or “For future reference, I never get tired of giving out hugs, okay?”

AVOID: “I’m going to pray for a miracle.” You can still silently pray for your friend, but your caring presence will make the most difference. Another not-so-helpful response: “Have you tried juicing? I hear it can really turn things around.” In some instances, your friend might like your help researching alternative healing and holistic treatments, but it’s best to follow their lead in this type of discussion.

SHOW YOU CARE: Your friend will need different things at different times, from support during the initial shock to shopping for a nourishing diet to getting dog-walking help on days she feels weak. Get the squad together and brainstorm ways you can help as a group. Maybe you make a rotating schedule of who sits with her at treatments. Maybe it’s a standing date with the girls. Maybe she wants to put together a memory book for her family…and you offer to help.

TRY THIS: “I’m so, so sorry. Thank you for telling me. Would you like to come over for some coffee sometime and talk about it?” Or “My heart breaks for you. I know having a baby means the world to you.”

DON’T SAY: “You’ll get pregnant again…you just wait!” Or “Have you thought about adoption?” Or “At least you already have two kids.” Losing a baby creates a deep, aching wound that is often grieved in silence. Try not to fix this for your friend. Just let her cry…just hold her hand.

SHOW YOU CARE: Make a basket of goodies. Here are a few ideas to get you started: a blanket, teas, an oversized mug, her favourite candy, a pedicure gift card. If you’re a cook, bake her a warm dish to enjoy—or bring in sandwiches if you’re more of a takeout girl or guy.

TRY THIS: “I wish I had a magic wand to make all of this stress go away. But I do have time to listen.” Or “I know you’re carrying a huge burden right now. I would like to drop off dinner to your house one night.” Or “Mind if I drive you to your appointment? We can grab a chai afterward.”

AVOID THIS: “It could be a whole lot worse.” Or “When I’m stressed, I just get my hubby to rub my back.” Note: Your friend may not have anyone to lean on. That’s why the weight of the world might be so heavy. It’s best not to emphasize that point even more.

SHOW YOU CARE: Offer to drive your friend to the airport, to their car dealership for an all-day repair (so they don’t have to sit forever), or help with another overwhelming errand or task. Get them a chair massage gift card or leave a warm breakfast pastry on their desk. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that really bring light to a dark time.

TRY THIS: “Losing a pet is so very difficult. They’re family and they’ll always be in our hearts.” Or “I’m so sorry. You two were the perfect pair. I know you loved each other very much.” Or “You gave Sonny a wonderful life and he gave you so much joy. I always liked hearing your stories about his antics and hope you continue to keep telling them.”

AVOID THIS: Comments that downplay the grief. “At least your cat lived a long time.” Or “I think you should get a new puppy!” Or “Oh, really? That sucks.” Fur family is family and being sensitive to that will bring comfort to a very sad time.

SHOW YOU CARE: Find a cute pic on Instagram of your friend’s fur baby and put it in a frame for their desk. Write down one of your favourite anecdotes of their beloved pet. Get a personalized stepping-stone with the sweet pet’s name, and as a bonus, bring a plant that can be added to the garden in their memory.