“Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I don’t know,” he replied. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” – Genesis 4:9
Many people experiencing a mental health problem will speak to friends and family before they speak to a health professional, so the initial support you offer can be really valuable. If someone lets you know that they are experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings, it’s common to feel like you don’t know what to do or say, but you don’t need any special training to show someone you care about them. You can listen to them and genuinely extend the invitation for them to seek professional help, such as an online Christian counselor. The convenience of online Christian counseling will set the tone towards a firm foundation of ethical beliefs that will help as an aid for those experiencing crisis.
Consequently, if you feel that someone you care about is clearly struggling but can’t or won’t reach out for help and won’t accept any help you offer, it’s understandable to feel frustrated, distressed, and powerless. But it’s important to accept that they are individuals and that there are always limits to what you can do to support another person. This is why pointing your friend towards obtaining an online Christian counselor is imperative because this allows you to be your brother’s keeper (friend and supporter), while agencies such as NuWell Counseling Services can assist your loved one with the proper tools they desperately need. In addition, some of the benefits of online counseling are a convenience. Individuals can remain in the comfort of their homes or speak with their Christian counselor while on a lunch break or even while taking a walk to clear their minds. Online Christian counselors can virtually connect with you so that your session is intimate and confidential.
Please note that while friends such as yourself are able to provide a listening ear, you are not a substitute for help from a mental health professional standpoint. Counselors can support your “brother” or “sister” in other ways by creating a safe space for sharing their feelings, holding them accountable to their treatment goals, and comforting them when they get overwhelmed. Also, when your brother is experiencing depression, anxiety, Intrusive Thoughts, manic episode, and other heartbreaking crisis, an online Christian counselor’s schedule is more flexible normally without a waitlist. NuWell Counseling Services have online Christian counselors who are available at flexible hours to help meet the need.
Furthermore, online Christian counselors need your help because your insight matters! Often times friends are the first to notice when something’s wrong; you know them so well, after all. If you are concerned about changes in a friend’s mood or behavior, where do you start?
Start with a conversation. Tell them what you’ve noticed and expressed your concern. It’s important to stay calm and non-judgmental. Use “I” statements, like “I’ve noticed you’ve been introverted lately, is everything okay, and do you want to talk about it?” Also, encourage them to seek help from an online Christian counselor. If you’re able to, offer to help them find a counselor or reach out on their behalf. NuWell Counseling Services has an online team of Christian professionals with diverse expertise to help aid your friend in reclaiming their life.
Finally, remember to take care of yourself. Sometimes taking care of others can take a toll on our own mental health. If your friend is struggling, offer to support them in the ways you feel able to, and please keep in mind to have your own mental health support in place, whether that’s an online Christian counselor at NuWell Counseling Services or one of their in-person locations; self-care matters!
Matching with the right online Christian counselor is critical to therapy success. NuWell Counseling Services, online Christian counselors, or local office counselors are experienced in providing solutions across many mental health diagnoses and life scenarios. NuWell Counseling Services is affordable, and their schedules are flexible to accommodate your lifestyle.
