This is the first step to realizing that someone needs help on an emotional level. Having the awareness of the ones around you (friends, and family) will give you a clear understanding of what they need. Being aware of their feelings, how they look at a certain situation or even the fact that they come and talk to you will make you understand the help they required.

Active listening has its importance in almost all the psychological therapies that are available, and its necessity cannot be ignored. when the person in distress realizes that they are being heard, they get an assurance that there is hope for betterment as they are being understood by the listener. When it comes to giving emotional aid, when the listener carefully listens to the speaker, there can be scope for further talking. The listener can also analyze whether professional help is required.

Asking questions to the person in concern will allow them to understand that they are being heard and understood. They will also feel a sense of comfort that you are trying to go in depth with their issue and doing everything you can to help them. Asking to- the -point yet non-personal questions will give the helper an understanding of the speaker’s perspective while keeping the conversation analytical yet interactive.

Empathy means trying to understand the situation and feelings of the person from their point of view or being in another person’s shoes. Empathy is a basic quality that one providing emotional first aid should possess. It is a quality that some naturally have, however, others can imbibe. Trying to see the emotions and approach of the speaker from their own perspective will give your insight into how they view things. Empathy is not a step/guideline, but rather a part and parcel of everything you carry out while providing emotional aid.

It is not unusual to ask a listener for opinions or suggestions, but this is something that needs to be dodged in a healthy way by the listener. It is a Big NO to give any personal comments, suggestions, or opinions, as we need to understand that the speaker is vulnerable when they expose their critical side to the listener and by giving personal suggestions you are only suggesting they look at something from another perspective/ second their thoughts. This is not wrong; however, we need to keep in mind that we are not professionals and do not need to dwell in this.

Emotional aid is about helping a person with emotional injuries take a step to professional help. This is a way in which you know they are in safe hands with their mind and emotions. Suggesting counseling when the distress is overburdening for the speaker, is a good way to make them realize the importance of taking care of their mind.

As awareness of others’ feelings gives us an idea that they need to be approached, understanding our emotions is equally important. So do not punish yourself next time you react in an unusual manner before an upcoming project or after a fight with a friend. Understand that you are not the person you think you are after reacting or feeling a certain way and that it is due to some emotional injury that is causing your mood shifts.

Understanding your emotional state will lead to realizing that you need emotional help. A good way to unburden yourself is to talk or communicate with your loved ones, someone you trust and know would not judge or tamper your trust. Talk to a friend or parent and unwind your worries.

It is not unusual to take the road of negativity when something unfortunate happens or when in distress. However, to be at peace and try and heal from that, one needs to change their perspective. Redefine your views and try to be as positive with the situation as much.

Seeking therapy for emotional betterment is the safest option as you know you are on the right path. Emotional scars will leave your mind in a healthy way due to the methods followed in professional counseling. Do not shy away from them and resort to counseling if needed.

Emotional healing takes time and is not something that happens overnight. Be patient and gentle with yourself. Allow yourself to grow from the injury in a healthy and compassionate way. It is only you that can love yourself in true sense and you need to understand the value of  the same when you are going through a tough healing process.

When one truly realizes that they are healing, it motivates them to move ahead in life and not give up. Track your healing process by methods such as Journaling which is the best way to understand and channelize your thoughts and emotions. This method also helps you if you are taking counselling and would want to share your thoughts and give your therapist some insights.