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member, anyone you know and
who you trust will understand.
Which brings us to our second
point, if someone you know Illustration Émile Louis Te
opens up to you about their
struggles, even if you can’t really
understand, maybe because
you haven’t been through the
same, don’t invalidate their
feelings. You might not have any
specific advice to give, but that’s
okay. But make sure to listen
to them, ask them to explain
to you how they’re feeling
(without pressuring them to talk
about something they’re not
comfortable with talking about),
just so you can understand more.
Then, the most important thing is to remind them with behind closed doors, and that is, again,
that you are here for them. You can try to educate okay. Make sure to explain your feelings, your
yourself on the matter, find ways to help, maybe situation, as much as you can, without going over
help them find a professional to talk to... These your own boundaries if you don’t want to talk
little things will show them that you care, that about a certain thing, so they can understand.
they are not alone. And of course, be trustworthy If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone
and respect their privacy. Also, if you are not in around you, for any reason, that’s okay! You
the right mental state to be able to listen to them can always contact the Lebanese National
and help them, it’s fine. Try to tell them that in Lifeline (1564) (operated by “Embrace”, and
the nicest way possible, without making them feel for more information about how to contact them,
bad about reaching out to you. Maybe it could what they do, how they are trying to help, visit
also be helpful for both of you, in that case, to embracelebanon.org).
try and encourage one another to find someone
else to talk to, reach out to a professional if you Also, one of the best things to remind yourself of,
can... But make sure to remind them, too, that it’s and that can be especially helpful on bad days, is
amazing that they at least reached out, and that to treat yourself the way you would treat someone
it is no one’s fault if both of you are struggling you loved that is going through the same thing.
and you can’t really listen at the moment because Take breaks, have rest days, self-care days, do
you are not feeling good yourself. And of course, something you like, bake your favorite treat and
always make sure to try and check on the people have it, watch a movie… anything that genuinely
around you. A simple “how was your day?” makes you happy, relaxed and comfortable.
could really help them. Finally, remember that it’s okay to talk about

On the other hand, if you are struggling and mental health. Everyone deserves to know more
want to talk to someone: first, ask the person if about it, to have someone to talk to, and to try to
they are okay with you talking about a certain heal when they have been hurt.
matter, as to make sure that they are in a good And a special reminder to you: you’ve got this!
enough state to listen and try to help you, as well
as maybe not to trigger them, because at the end
of the day, everyone has something they struggle

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Nous du Collège - N 296 - Mars 2022