At a glance
Talking with friends, neighbors, and loved ones about feelings and concerns can relieve stress and promote resilience. You can use these tips to start a conversation and help someone you care about.
5 Tips for meaningful conversations
Talking with friends or loved ones about experiences and feelings can help us cope. Use these tips and suggestions to get the conversation going and help someone you care about.
- Be flexible about the format.
A conversation can be over the phone, in person, or through text or video chat. - Be ready to listen.
Put aside things that may be distracting. - Ask open-ended questions.
Use the questions below to get the conversation started. You may want to share your own experiences first to get things going. - Show your concern and support.
Use phrases like "I understand" or "I'm with you" or "That sounds rough, how can I help?" We all need to be heard and validated. - End on a positive note.
Close with some hopeful words and make a plan to stay connected! Use phrases like: "I'm here for you, no matter what" or "I care about you and am always here if you need someone to lean on."
Conversation Starters
• How are you feeling?
• It's been a long time. How's it going for you these days?
• I've noticed that you seem a bit down lately. Is everything OK?
• What are you doing to take care of yourself these days?
• It's been a long time. How's it going for you these days?
• I've noticed that you seem a bit down lately. Is everything OK?
• What are you doing to take care of yourself these days?
Instead of...
- It is what it is.
- It will all be fine.
- The same thing happened to me.
- Stop worrying so much.
- I know how to fix this.
Try...
- I’m listening.
- I understand.
- I hear that. This is hard.
- I’m here for you.
- Tell me more.