Caring for others during challenging times

We acknowledge that you have been having difficult conversations with the people around you and and for some, simply do not know what to do. When you are dealing with distressed people and you feel stuck, simply be present, and listen.  

Please refer people on to other resources [see below] and know that the Employee Advisory and Resolutions team are on hand for you to download the strong feelings that surface for you.  

Here are some tips for helping your colleagues in the coming days. (…weeks, months).

1. Encourage people to focus on things they can control, such as thoughts and behaviours.
2. Keep the big picture in mind. Many of us have faced catastrophic events and survived. We can survive this too. 
3. The size of the process  that has led to today is not the size of the threat [combating the amygdala highjack].
4. Let wisdom and logic guide you.
5. Turn to reputable sources of information and be sceptical of gossip and rumour.
6. Control how often you are exposed to the media.
7. Model peaceful behaviour and be prepared to remind others of the same.
8. Is your colleague feeling isolated? – Call them and offer them your ear.
9. If you are feeling  isolated, call someone.
10. Don’t let fear influence your decisions and behaviour.