3 Simple Ways To Respond When Someone Says They Are Sick

To turn the sympathy up even more, you might say, “Aw, that’s awful. I’m sorry you’re sick. ” For a more conversational option, try, “Oh man, I’ve been there before. I know there’s something nasty going around. ” If you don’t know how serious their illness is and they don’t tell you, don’t probe.

For a more formal approach with an employee, student, etc. , you might say, “Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. ” For something a little more forward and friendly, try, “Is there anything I can do to help?” If this is a best friend, you could say, “I can swing by and drop some soup off if you want. I know how tough it is to be sick. ” You don’t need to do this if you don’t know the person very well. If this is a classmate on a group project or an acquaintance at work, it’s not necessary to do more than say you’re sorry and hope they feel better.

“I hate it when the coolest people in my life get sick!” “You better get healthy soon. I don’t have anyone to crack bad jokes with if you aren’t around. ” “You have no right getting sick just when I need my best work friend! Jk. Feel better!”

“I know people say ‘I want to help’ just to say it sometimes, but I mean it. ” “If there’s anything you need from me, tell me. Seriously. I can watch your dog, or offer rides on the weekend. Just let me know. ” “I’ve dealt with hospital billing before. Please let me help you with the insurance negotiations; I’m good at it. ” It’s possible they won’t want you to do anything. If this is the case, don’t push your help on them. They’d ask if they wanted something.

“I’m speechless. I’m sorry, I don’t know how to react to that. ” “Give me a second to process this. I’m sorry, this is just a lot. ” “Wow. I wasn’t expecting that. I’m so shocked, I don’t know what to say. ”

“Are you doing okay?” “How are you?” You can also be a little forward if this is a very close friend or family member by saying something like, “If you want to scream, or cry, or whatever, I’m here for it. You can say or do whatever you need to do right now. ”

“I love you. ” “I’ll be thinking about you. I would be devastated if anything happened to you. ” “I don’t know what I’d do if you weren’t around. ”

This is a nice sign of solidarity. Even if you aren’t particularly religious yourself, this can mean a lot to them.

“I’m thinking of you. How have you been?” “How are you doing? I just saw something that reminded me of you. ” “Do you want to hang out soon? I’d love to see you. ” “Hey! What’s up? You want to do chat?”

Let them guide the conversation. If they want to talk to you about their illness more in-depth, talk about it in depth. If they don’t, let it go. They’ll signal what they need from you. If this is someone close to you, you’re probably going to be scared, angry, or confused. It’s okay to feel that way, but don’t direct those feelings to the person who is ill.

If you normally crack jokes, go ahead and say something funny while you’re hanging out with your friend or family member. If the two of you both love movies, they’re probably going to enjoy chatting about the recent flicks you’ve both seen.

Even if they’re your best friend in the world, there may be something embarrassing for them going on. Try to not take it personally if they don’t share a lot about what’s going on. Generally, avoid making comments like: “Is it terminal? Have you talked to a specialist yet?” “If I were you, I’d go to Northeastern Memorial instead. That’s a way better hospital. ”

Stay away from comments like: “I’m sure it’s not all that bad. I bet you’re going to beat this thing!” “Just thank the heavens that you’re going to get better. ” “I know you’re going to pull through this soon. ”

Whenever possible, be a rock for the person who is sick. If they break down and cry, it’s okay to cry it out with them. But if they’re just generally worried, it’s probably more comforting if you don’t act like the sky is falling (even if it is).