Empathy is one of the most powerful tools we have to help others, especially in mental health support. As a peer support specialist and someone who lives with schizoaffective bipolar disorder, I’ve learned that genuine empathy can help the depth of understanding. It’s not about having the perfect words or fixing someone’s problems—it’s about being there, truly listening, and understanding without judgment. Here are five simple ways you can show empathy and create a space where healing can begin.
1. Listen Without Interrupting
One of the simplest yet most powerful acts of empathy is listening—really listening. When someone opens up, they often just need to be heard. Next time someone shares their feelings with you, try to hold back the urge to jump in with advice. Just listen fully—it’s often all they need.
2. Acknowledge Their Feelings
It can be easy to say, “I understand,” but people want to know you actually see them. Acknowledge their emotions. When a friend of mine was dealing with severe anxiety, she felt like no one really got how intense it was. I made sure to say things like, “That must feel overwhelming” or “I can see why you’re so stressed.” Small phrases like these show people their emotions are valid, which is key to making them feel supported.
3. Share Your Experience (When It’s Helpful)
There’s a delicate balance here. Sharing your own experience can help someone feel less alone, but it’s important to do so without overshadowing their feelings. When I tell others about my struggles balancing mental health with motherhood, it’s not to shift focus onto me—it’s to show them they aren’t alone. Share only when it feels relevant, and always return the conversation to their feelings. It’s about connecting, not competing.
4. Avoid Giving Advice Right Away
As someone who has walked through mental health challenges, I know how tempting it is to offer advice. But often, people aren’t ready for that right away. When I first started managing my mental health, I had a lot of advice thrown at me, and honestly, it just felt overwhelming. What helped most was someone who let me vent without offering solutions. So, next time someone is sharing their struggles, focus on listening and validating before you jump in with solutions.
5. Be Patient with the Process
Empathy requires patience. Healing isn’t a straight line, and people won’t always make visible progress right away. I’ve had days where just getting out of bed felt like a win, but not everyone understands that. Empathy means being there through the ups and downs, even when it feels like things aren’t moving forward. Show up consistently, and be the steady presence they need. In time, your patience will be something they remember.