So What Kind Of Response Do Sufferers And Supporters Want?

[rightkindofme]

I like to have people acknowledge that the problem I'm facing is a hard one and they are confident that I will be able to solve it.

 

[MT Johnny]

WTF is a "supporter"? The people in my life who should acknowledge that a lot of crap went down in my life that wasn't my fault and badly affected me blame me for it.

 

[sun seeker]

Some kind of response that shows me that the person really sees what I am going through, as opposed to cliches and platitudes. Asking specific questions.

Respect for my process.

Belief that I will get through it.

Allowing me to give as well as receive support.

Sharing of similar experiences.

Acceptance that this is a process, and it takes a long time. Encouragement without pushing further than I can go.

Advice only when there is real advice to be given, not just because it make people more comfortable to give advice.

Expression of caring.

Validation.

And some other things depending on the circumstance...

It's the quality of presence that matters more than the details.

 

[GWhizz]

@MT Johnny my supporter is my partner. Not the ppl from my family who still blame me for everything - those ppl are part of the root problem I'm afraid. Ppl I need distancing from. You can find positive support from others. It's hard to learn to trust again though...

@sun seeker I think validation is key