Setting Gentle Boundaries While You Support Someone
Launch library · evergreen read
Supporting someone through a hard time can be emotionally demanding, and without some boundaries, it is possible to become worn down in ways that eventually limit how much support you can actually offer. This kind of effort tends to be genuinely appreciated, even when it is not said aloud.
A gentle boundary might mean letting a friend know you need to step away for the evening but will check in tomorrow, or being honest that you are not equipped to handle a particular situation alone and want to bring in extra support together. There is no single right way to approach this, only a genuine one.
Boundaries protect your ability to keep showing up over time. Beyond Blue offers support for carers and supporters on 1300 22 4636, and Lifeline is available at any hour on 13 11 14. This is worth doing even in small, imperfect ways, rather than not at all.