Listening is key.
It’s an ongoing journey and there will be times the DCP is fine and times when they are not.
When your loved one is discussing the various complex issues, you will have urges to make suggestions for dealing with the situation or will want to try and fix the problem but most of the time they just need to be listened to and their feelings understood.
Your loved one may be consumed with it. Just be there and show you care. You can’t change what has happened but letting the person know you understand can help them get through difficult times.
Remember that anything to do with your own family might be difficult or triggering for them (DCP) (particularly around ‘special occasions’). So if they seem angry or sad when your family are around or in contact with you this might be why. Probing into what the problem is might not help, just be there for them.
Credits: Huge thanks to Lee for his insights on this post.
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