Hi, how’s it going? I hope you’re having a great day.<\/p>\n
Did you know that you spend 50% of your time listening?<\/p>\n
You need to know how to really listen to your loved one with bipolar disorder in order to be an effective supporter, so I’m going to give you some suggestions.<\/p>\n
Following are some suggestions to help you be a better listener:<\/p>\n
1.\tBe ready to listen.<\/p>\n
If your loved one comes to you and they have something on their mind, stop what you’re<\/p>\n
doing and be ready to listen.<\/p>\n
2.\tConcentrate on what they are saying.<\/p>\n
Look at your loved one as they talk to you, and try to avoid distractions. Focus on them and<\/p>\n
what they are saying.<\/p>\n
3.\tBe an active listener<\/p>\n
Insert comments like, “Uh huh,” “Yeah,” or “Go on,” to show that you are actively listening to your loved one.<\/p>\n
4.\tIgnore negative feelings<\/p>\n
Your loved one may say something that you may not approve of, or which may hurt your feelings. Try to keep your own negative feelings out of the conversation, and simply listen.<\/p>\n
5.\tSay your loved one’s name<\/p>\n
Saying your loved one’s name during the conversation shows them that you really are listening to them.<\/p>\n
6.\tListen without adding your own ideas or giving advice.<\/p>\n
Most of the time, your loved one just needs you to listen \u2013 they are not necessarily asking for advice or your opinion about them and\/or their problems.<\/p>\n
7.\tDon’t be judgmental<\/p>\n
You may not agree with something your loved one tells you, but keep your opinion to yourself, or your loved one may sense you being judgmental of them and\/or their comments and feelings and may stop talking to you.<\/p>\n
8.\tKeep your loved one’s point of view in mind<\/p>\n
Remember that you’re just listening and, like the last point, not being judgmental. Keeping your loved one’s point of view in mind at all times will help you to do this.<\/p>\n
9.\tUse non-verbal communication to show understanding<\/p>\n
Your loved one will be looking at you while they are talking, so they will notice your body language. Make sure that you are fully facing them, watching them, nodding your head, and not fidgeting.<\/p>\n
10.\tEncourage your loved one to keep talking<\/p>\n
Sometimes the best way to do this is by asking open-ended (not yes or no) questions. Just be sure not to ask too many, as they may feel as if you’re “quizzing” them.<\/p>\n
11.\tListen to what they are NOT saying<\/p>\n
Your loved one may say something but actually mean something else. Try to pick up on what they are NOT saying as well as what they ARE saying.<\/p>\n
12.\tWatch your loved one’s body language<\/p>\n
This can go along with the last point. Your loved one may be speaking but they won’t look at you, or they are distracted by things around them, or other things which show that they may<\/p>\n
be uncomfortable with what they are saying. Just be understanding and encouraging to get them to keep talking.<\/p>\n
13.\tDon’t give advice<\/p>\n
As stated before, your loved one may be talking to you just to have someone to listen to them. They may not actually want your advice or for you to “fix” their problems. Just listen and don’t give advice unless they ask you to.<\/p>\n
14.\tLet your loved one know that their feelings are acceptable<\/p>\n
Your loved one might be confused about their feelings, or even feel as if they are “stupid” or “wrong” for having those feelings. Make sure that you remain nonjudgmental and encourage them that whatever they are feeling, they have a right to feel that way.<\/p>\n
15.\tUnderstand that you won’t always know what to say to your loved one<\/p>\n
You may not always know the right thing to say to your loved one when they talk to you, so understand that, and accept it. Just remain an encouraging listener.<\/p>\n
Remember in general that your loved one may only be looking for a listener, not an advisor.<\/p>\n
They don’t necessarily want you to “fix” them or their problems. The better a listener you are, and by following these suggestions, the more your loved one will talk to you.<\/p>\n
Well, I have to go!<\/p>\n
Your Friend,<\/p>\n
Dave<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hi, how’s it going? I hope you’re having a great day.<\/p>\n
Did you know that you spend 50% of your time listening?<\/p>\n
You need to know how to really listen to your loved one with bipolar disorder in order to be an effective supporter, so I’m going to give you some suggestions.<\/p>\n
Following are some suggestions to help you be a better listener:<\/p>\n
1.\tBe ready to listen.<\/p>\n