Supporting a Loved One: Empathy as the Foundation of Help

When someone close to you is having difficulty regulating their emotions, the instinct is often to find the right method or technique. Dr. Saулитис points to something more fundamental: the foundation of any meaningful support is empathy.

Why Empathy Matters More Than Technique

Mental health is always connected to empathy. When a disorder sets in, the capacity for empathy is typically the first thing to suffer. This means the person beside you may genuinely find it harder to feel connection — not out of unwillingness, but because the disorder changes perception. Your role is not to "fix" this with instructions or exercises, but to maintain a warm, human presence.

What Actually Helps

The support of loved ones has been described by Dr. Saулитис as a direct condition for successful treatment. This is not about giving advice or prescribing routines — it is about making the person feel seen as an equal, someone who simply finds themselves in a different situation right now. Empathy is the reminder: *"This person is me too — it's just showing up differently for them."*

What to Avoid

The urge to immediately "solve the problem" through techniques or well-meaning tips often brings only temporary relief without reaching the root. What matters more is creating a space where the person feels safe: free from judgment, free from pressure, with genuine attention to what they are going through. Support is not a single action — it is a sustained presence.

When Professional Help Is Needed

Loved ones can create an essential supportive context, but they cannot replace a specialist. If you notice the person is getting worse, or if you yourself feel exhausted, that is a signal to seek professional help — together, or by helping them take that step.