This stress is common in today's world, whether people call it digital or emotional, because we are surrounded by the internet and fast means of communication.
Since communication has moved more online, it is often difficult to detect when someone is sad.
However, if you think a friend or family member is sad, there are many things you can do to cheer that person up, including sending them a message online.
In this article, we will look at strategies that a person can use to bring happiness into someone else's life and make them happy again.
Understanding the Signs of Sadness Online
First, let's identify the types of SMS-communication that reflect a person's sadness, as the tips ahead are focused on helping a person make happy faces online.
Unlike face-to-face conversations, where nonverbal cues as well as the way words are said matter, online communication is primarily based on words. Pay attention to the following signs:
- Changes in communication patterns - For example, if someone who is usually very happy and cheerful in communication suddenly becomes slow or quiet in communication, this may be a sign that the person may be suffering from stress.
- Negative or ambiguous posts - Look for anything that is different from the norm, anything that reflects sadness or despair.
- Disengagement from social media - There is always a danger that when a person becomes less active, stops responding as before, he may be experiencing emotional disturbance.
- Short, monosyllabic responses - This is due to the fact that when someone is sad, he does not have the energy to talk for so long and therefore gives short answers.
Establishing contact: The first step to pleasing someone on the net.
When you think maybe the person is depressed, the next step is to extend a hand. Extending a hand in this way can be very comforting to someone who is lonely or sad. Here's how to do it effectively:
1. Send a personal message
First of all, it's important to start with a personal message It may be as easy as saying, "Hey, I was just thinking about you and it came to me." "How are you doing?" People are informed without being coerced by this.
2. Be an active listener
This approach should be followed for best results: When they respond, listen carefully. Try to hear the words they are using and always support the dominant feelings expressed.
You could say, 'Sorry you have to go through this,' or 'It sounds like you're struggling a lot.' Active listening is the way you express your concern about the person.
3. Avoid giving instant solutions
The client should be given the opportunity to talk to someone and express what he or she is feeling without being told the solution to the problem.
In most cases, avoid giving instant solutions to deal with the problem. Instead, seek help from someone who is most supportive, whether it is your partner or a friend who shares your interests.
Providing emotional support online
Counselling is a must when someone is depressed. It is one of the hardest things to deal with because we cannot physically go to them and hug them or even be with them.
1. Send a thoughtful message
Words do wonders, especially when they come from the heart. Reassure them that it takes you to the skies and make sure they also know that you stand with them.
Conversations such as this one are possible: "You should know that no matter what happens, I am always with you and you can talk to me whenever you want."
2. Share positive memories
Just tell them, 'Remember that time when we went . . .' Maybe it will take his or her attention off things for a moment.
Maybe they can move from a bad mood to a better mood as they focus on positive stimuli. This can be said like this, “Do you remember the day when we both laughed a lot at [a particular event]? I recall how hilarious that day was.
3. Express gratitude towards them
Remind them what they are to you. You might tell them things like, "You are the best thing that happened to me," "I am glad you are with me," or "I love you and I am so lucky to have you in my life."
Brightening their day: Fun ways to lift their spirits
In some cases, the best thing you can say to a sick or depressed person is to offer them a little distraction. Here are some fun and creative ways to brighten someone's day online:
1. Send a funny joke or video
Laughter is a wonderful thing that can change a person's mood or make them feel a lot better. Post a joke or video clip that makes them laugh and then delete it after re-posting it with a simple message like; "Just felt like sharing this with you."
2. Spend time doing something fun on the Internet
Offer to play an online game as a team. It must be said that this is very helpful for them because it distracts them from whatever is bothering them.
Whether it's a simple game like Words with Friends or something more unique, it will be much needed and help them forget about loneliness.
3. Create a playlist for them
Music can change people's moods and make them feel happier. Make a list of songs that encourage them and share it. It may be said "This is one of those songs that always cheers me up, it makes my day better."
4. Share inspirational quotes or stories
This way, someone can read a story that they find happy or inspiring, just to feel encouraged. Find a few lines that you think might cheer them up and then write a message, something like "Here are some quotes that I think might inspire you."
Help them get professional services if they need them
Your words of encouragement can be helpful too, but sometimes a person needs outside help, especially when they feel more depressed than they'd like. Here's how to deal with this sensitive situation:
1. Suggest talking to a professional
If you think your friend or perhaps a family member is upset beyond the everyday hassles, it’s time to encourage them to see a professional. You might say, “This is for your own good and you know I want the best for you; have you considered therapy?”.
2. Provide resources
If you feel they listen to you, ask them if you can help them find materials. You can also refer them to online therapy services or advise them about services available in their health community.
3. Be supportive
Regardless of whether they want to seek professional advice, they should be encouraged and supported. Make sure they understand that you agree with the idea that they did well by taking this step and that you will always be there to support them.
Encouraging self-care practices
It's always helpful if you can encourage your friend or loved one to help themselves, this will make them feel better. Here are a few easy methods to encourage self-care:
1. Suggest relaxation techniques
Suggest simple ways to relieve stress such as taking deep breaths and exhales, using meditation or just sitting quietly for a while and having a cup of tea.
2. Encourage healthy habits
Explain to them that exercise and diet can prevent such conditions and that they should follow a strict fitness regime. "Have you had a chance to take a walk in the fresh air today and really calm your head, haven't you?" is one example of a question you may ask.
3. Promote positive self-talk
Support them in tackling negative beliefs by encouraging constructive self-talk. If you like, you could say, "It's been tough lately, please never be too hard on yourself," although a simple "Everything is fine" should suffice.
Build a supportive online community
Having hope can certainly change a person a lot and so building relationships is important. Here's how you can help them create or join a supportive online community:
1. Give them a link to a positive Facebook page
There are lots of support groups and groups on the Internet that are active. If you know of a group they might find interesting, introduce them to the group and they'll join. You might say, "This is a really positive group that meets online. They might like it too."
2. Introduce them to like-minded people
If you have other friends whom you think would like to listen to you, consider introducing them to them. This will also help them increase their social stimulation and make them feel less lonely.
3. Encourage them to meet up regularly
You are advised to start meeting them regularly, especially through your message notifications or video calls. The fact that someone will be waiting for you is very reassuring and the same is true of going through the usual routine.
Conclusion: Online support, as a tool, is important in solving problems, which are as follows:
However, sometimes it can be really difficult to bring a smile to someone's face on online platforms, the goal is always worthwhile. Calling them, consoling them or taking them to a movie or some other activity can greatly help lift this person's spirit.
Of course, the best thing one can do is to be there for such people, listen to them and reassure them that they are not alone.
Despite the fact that you can be as close to them as you can, a word or an action can go a long way in making or breaking their happiness.
When we help a person find happiness online it is not our duty to fix all their problems, sometimes it is as simple as being the light at the end of the tunnel that they need.
Of course, by following the tips in this guide, you will be able to contribute to a sad person's search for a smile.