How to give sympathy for the illness of a loved one

“I’m so sorry to hear that Stacy is unwell. If there is anything I can do — even bake you guys a mean casserole — just let me know!

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Illness can make people feel awkward or even embarrassed, but we can’t help when we get sick!

It’s important to support and encourage the unwell person, but don’t forget to give a little extra love and encouragement to the partner or child taking care of them.

A simple acknowledgment of the struggle can go a loooooonggg way. The only thing worse than struggling is struggling invisibly.

Talking Points

A Big Freaking List of Comforting Statements

Name

Tags

I’m so sorry to hear that <name> is unwell. If there is anything I can do — even bake you guys a mean casserole — just let me know!

Illness - Partner

I see how upset you are, and I’m sorry to see you struggle.

Acknowledgment

You have every right to feel the way you do.

Acknowledgment

I can’t imagine how you must feel.

Acknowledgment

It’s okay to be sad.

Acknowledgment

Everything you feel is totally understandable.

Acknowledgment

You’re doing everything you need to do. Sometimes, just taking it hour by hour is enough. This is one of those times.

Acknowledgment

I know you don't feel it right now, but you will feel better eventually.

Reassure

You are so loved.

Reassure

You are stronger than you know.

Reassure

I've got you, boo.

Reassure

I've got your back.

Reassure

I think it's brave that you get up every day despite knowing how hard it is. Thank you for not giving up.

Reassure

You can handle this, especially if you take it one step at a time.

Reassure

You have a 100 percent track record for getting through tough days.

Reassure

Feelings are not facts and not all thoughts are true.

Reassure

This too shall pass.

Reassure

You can and will get through this.

Reassure

If it's out of your hands, it should be free from your mind too.

Reassure

I'm here to feel with you and let you know you're not alone.

Reassure

Hang in there.

Reassure

Please remember I’m here for you, not to intrude, but to support in whatever way you need me.

Comfort

I know this is hard and you’re not alone. If there is anything I can do to make life easier, better, or kinder to you, let me know and I’ll be happy to do it.

Reassure

Comfort

I can't imagine how you must be feeling right now, but know that I'm here for anything and everything.

Comfort

It’s okay to be angry and it's okay to be frustrated.

Acknowledgment

I'm so sorry you are experiencing this, I wish there was something I could do to make your life better – but until then I can at least be by your side in any way possible.

Comfort

May her/his recovery be swift and painless.

Illness - Partner

I’m thinking of you both.

Illness - Partner

Hope he/se will continue to feel better every day.

Illness - Partner

Hope he/she is up and about soon.

Illness - Partner

Wishing him/her a speedy recovery.

Illness - Partner

Just a cheery note to wish you and <name> well.

Illness - Partner

Hope her/his hospital stay is a short one.

Illness - Partner

Hope he/she will soon be well.

Illness - Partner

Hoping this finds you and <name> well on the way to a speedy recovery.

Illness - Partner

Hope he/she will be in the best of health again soon.

Illness - Partner

Hoping each new day will find <name> feeling better.

Illness - Partner

Thinking of you and hoping you're feeling better soon

Illness - Partner

Wishing <name> warm and sunny wishes for a speedy recovery.

Illness - Partner

Thinking of you and <name> and I’m hoping he/she is feeling better.

Illness - Partner

I hope his/her illness will soon be only a memory.

Illness - Partner

Hoping he/she feels stronger with each passing day.

Illness - Partner

With love and special wishes that <name> will soon be feeling better.

Illness - Partner

Sending you peaceful thoughts and warm wishes.

Illness - Partner

Just a note to let you know how much I care.

Illness - Partner

My thoughts are with you with love and caring.

Illness - Partner

Divorce is okay. Starting over is okay. Moving on is okay. Saying no is okay. Being alone is okay. What’s not okay is staying somewhere where you aren’t happy, valued, or appreciated.

Divorce

With divorce comes renewal. With leaving comes arriving at a healthy place. With shedding the toxic comes a brilliant new glow and a slow but steady process of rediscovering yourself. You lose the one who caused you to walk on eggshells, the one who seemed annoyed every time you tried to talk about important things, the one who always acted as if you weren’t good enough. Yet, you were chosen by them because of your natural goodness.

Divorce

You’re stuck in this miserable page in a crappy chapter, but baby, you have no idea that there is so much more to the book. You’ll realize that. Someday soon, I promise.

Divorce

Love is not how much pain you can tolerate from your partner. You made the right decision.

Divorce

I know that you feel broken right now. But trust me, my friend, you are so strong. You’re holding yourself together and even though you think you will shatter at any moment, you don’t stop. You just heal. It may not be pretty or grateful, but fuck it, you keep going.

Divorce

With time, you’ll see that the crazy, anxious person version of you was simply a kindhearted, tender person reacting to a very unkind situation.

Divorce

You’re so strong. You left someone who did you wrong and it was someone you never that you’d leave. That’s incredibly brave - you looked beyond what you had, what you wanted and decided to chase what you needed.

Divorce

Forgive yourself for not knowing better at the time. Forgive yourself for giving away your power. Forgive yourself for past mistakes. You did what you had to do to survive. You did the best you could do with the information you had at the time.

Divorce

Talking Points for Life

How to give sympathy for the illness of a loved one

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Talking Points

Further Reading