[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Fullwidth Post Title Header” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ background_color=”#f7f7f7″ use_background_color_gradient=”on” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(255,255,255,0.3)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(33,51,101,0)” parallax=”on” custom_margin=”0px||0px||false|false” custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px|false|false” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ global_module=”767″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”on” collapsed=”on”][et_pb_fullwidth_post_title author=”off” date=”off” comments=”off” featured_placement=”background” text_background=”on” text_bg_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.5)” admin_label=”Fullwidth Post Title” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ title_font=”Playfair Display|900|||on||||” title_text_align=”center” title_text_color=”#213365″ title_font_size=”55px” meta_font=”Poppins|500|on||||||” meta_text_align=”center” meta_font_size=”14px” meta_letter_spacing=”2px” meta_line_height=”1.8em” background_color=”#f7f7f7″ background_color_gradient_direction=”245deg” custom_padding=”130px||250px|||” custom_padding_tablet=”150px||150px” custom_padding_phone=”50px||50px” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” title_font_size_tablet=”45px” title_font_size_phone=”40px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”RGBA(0,0,0,0)” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_fullwidth_post_title][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Post Content” _builder_version=”4.9.0″][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_4,1_4″ admin_label=”Post Content” _builder_version=”4.9.0″][et_pb_column type=”3_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text admin_label=”Introduction” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”on” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
With most of us living for longer than ever before, we will inevitably encounter people who are living with long-term illness or who have conditions that aren\u2019t visible from the outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
It is hard enough for those suffering to cope with their situation on a day-to-day basis but even harder to tell people about the struggles. Living with long-term illness has a devastating effect. It can require massive lifestyle changes affecting the individual patient as well as their family and friends.\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
When someone tells you about their illness, they may not just be looking for sympathy. They may decide to disclose this information to you for practical reasons. They know that their illness will require adjustment, and they are looking for your help.<\/strong><\/p>\n
It is tough knowing how exactly someone wants you to react to their news. It is ok to be quiet and take some time to reflect on what they have told you. People understand that it can be a lot to take in.<\/span><\/p>\n
If it is someone who you are particularly close to, it may take even longer to process. If you feel you have nothing to say to them in response, then take some time to think and reflect. Here are some ideas of soothing things that you can tell this person to show that you care without being overly dramatic.<\/span><\/p>\n
Illustrations courtesy of\u00a0<\/span><\/em>Shutterstock<\/strong>.<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n
Illustrations courtesy of <\/i>Shutterstock<\/strong>.<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
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\nOh I\u2019m so sorry to hear that. You must be absolutely devastated\/distraught. I can\u2019t even begin to imagine how you are feeling right now.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nIt must have been so difficult for you when you found out. You are a really strong person though; one of the strongest people I know. Whatever happens I\u2019m sure that you will cope with any situation.<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\nHow has\/have your partner\/children\/family taken the news? You have such a strong bond which must be of great comfort to you right now.<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In this example you are acknowledging the news. You <\/span><\/span>recogni<\/span><\/span>z<\/span><\/span>e<\/span><\/span>\u00a0the seriousness of the situation, but you are also emphasi<\/span><\/span>z<\/span><\/span>ing the positives. You are reminding the person that they are strong enough to cope with their circumstances and that they have a good support network of family and friends around them. You are also giving them the opportunity to speak about how they are dealing with the issue. <\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=”Leading with Emotional Intelligence LinkedIn Learning Preview Video” _builder_version=”3.26.7″ text_orientation=”left” link_option_url=”https:\/\/linkedin-learning.pxf.io\/e2Pxj” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_module=”10810″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”on”]If you’re looking to develop your communication skills for professional environments even further, we think you\u2019ll like the following video course from LinkedIn Learning. Check out the preview below:
