If your friend or relative has just revealed something to you, and you feel truly at a loss for words, this template could help. It\u2019s neutral and non-judgemental, and it shows support without jumping to any conclusions as to the right way to proceed from this point. <\/span><\/p>\n

The person may need some time to think about what, if any, help they need from you, so be prepared to step back and allow them time to think it all through. <\/span><\/p>\n

If they don\u2019t ask for help, it could be worth repeating your offer of support at a later date, but don\u2019t push them into thinking that they have to accept help if they don\u2019t need it.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.nevertherightword.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/bi-polar-woman-never-right-word.jpg” admin_label=”Single Image” _builder_version=”4.9.4″ hover_enabled=”0″ custom_css_main_element=”}||.wrapper {||position: relative;||height: 0;||\/* Formula is: (height \/ width * 100%) *\/||padding-top: calc(700 \/ 800 * 100%);||}||||.wrapper__img {||position: absolute;||top: 0;||left: 0;||max-width: 100%;||height: auto;” border_radii=”on|5px|5px|5px|5px” box_shadow_style=”preset3″ locked=”on” alt=”Bipolar Disorder, Portrait of Woman in Profile in Depression and in a Good Mood” title_text=”bi-polar-woman-never-right-word” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” _builder_version=”3.21.2″ locked=”on”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text admin_label=”Conclusion” _builder_version=”4.4.5″ text_font=”Poppins||||||||” locked=”on”]<\/p>\n

Dealing with shocking news is never easy. Our natural reaction is to express our surprise through our facial expressions and to blurt out the first thing that comes into our heads. <\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, neither of these things are helpful to the person who has just revealed the news, so if you can train yourself to control your emotions a little, that may help. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you do express complete shock, talk about this with the person, and explain to them why you are so surprised. Try to do this in a matter of fact way, and as succinctly as possible, without being overly-dramatic or going into too much detail. <\/span><\/p>\n

We wouldn\u2019t be human beings if we were able to be perfectly composed in every situation, so don\u2019t worry too much if your jaw drops when someone tells you the news that you weren\u2019t expecting to hear.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not the end of the world, and what you need to concentrate on is what you do next – so gather your composure, think through what you\u2019ve just heard, and then commit to helping and supporting your friend in whatever way is possible. <\/span><\/p>\n

Remember that whilst it is important to find the right words, it\u2019s just as important to be a good listener too.<\/span><\/p>\n