What do you do when you can't help someone and you know they're suffering?

[ManOnFire]

There are some people I know who are really going through some hard places in their lives right now, and although I help when I can it still hurts that I'm not fully able to get them out of their problems.

What do you do when someone you know is suffering and you can't fix it for them? How do you live with it?

[sage2021]

This is a tough question but it deserves helpful attention.

It would help if I knew what the person is suffering from, because my opinion would be different based on the reasons.

So, a generic opinion is all I can give you. And it's pretty standard. Just be there for them. Listen to them and try not to interrupt them. You can say things after they are through talking and explaining what's going on with them.

You can't blame yourself for anything if you don't have the things they need that would help them. It's not your fault.

Basically all you can do is be there for them and be sensitive to them when they need you and you have other things going on. Try and put those things off, and help the person. They are very sensitive to people turning them down and it will only make them feel worse.

Try not to stress too much because when you get stressed out, your stress hormones kick in, and if you are in fight or flight mode for too long, you can end up very sick 🤢 yourself. Physically sick. Trust me on this please.

I wish there was more I could add to this for you.

I will pray 🙏🏼 that everything will work out for you and the person who you are trying to help.

Maybe you can pray with the person. If they believe in Jesus, praying together does help.

The best to you and your friend.🧡

[ManOnFire]

Yes, you are right about all these things, and I do do them but it still hurts knowing they're going through a lot. And some of these people made bad choices in their lives that they're now learning from, but I guess I still have some sympathy.

[DishLady]

I just say, "I'm here if you need." because while I can't carry another person's emotional load for them, I *can* be present for them. If they don't need it, that's ok, but some folks just need to vent a little.

If it's something more serious, I'll suggest someone better than me (who is trustworthy and trained in the way the person needs) to help or listen as needed.

[AMS700CX4u2]

Emotional support is really all that is left. Listen carefully and decide whether your opinion should be kept to yourself

[NathanDavis]

if I can't really help... then it's not my place to help

could still reach to others who would be able to help

[Shiprex]

Offer and be with them then wait for them to grasp on to your outstretched hand

[itsannalee]

Nothing, I’ll help when it’s possible. And if I can’t, that’s not even my problem. Other people's lives are not my responsibility.

[ManOnFire]

You must've been spoiled growing up.

[itsannalee]

You have to learn how to stand on your own feet.

[ManOnFire]

You don't sound like a person who knows what it means to do that. You sound like someone who has very likely had people treat you like a princess and left you having little to know empathy.

[itsannalee]

Empathy with no action means nothing 🥱

[Xawyx-2]

If there is nothing I can do, then all I can do is to give them moral support.

[queenofcardio]

I'll pray for them

[Sal_Monella]

Pray for them.