Anna Yatsenko, a psychologist with the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (DSNS), said guidelines on supporting individuals experiencing grief and stress [1].
Effective communication during a crisis is critical because improper phrasing can inadvertently alienate a grieving person or worsen their psychological state. Understanding the distinction between helpful empathy and harmful platitudes allows bystanders and family members to provide safer emotional environments.
In a recent interview, Yatsenko said the specific types of phrases that should be avoided when speaking to someone in distress [1]. She said that certain common expressions, often intended to be comforting, can actually be perceived as dismissive or invalidating to the person suffering.
Yatsenko said the importance of validating a person's feelings rather than attempting to minimize the pain or offer immediate solutions [1]. The goal is to help people react correctly to intense stress and grief by avoiding harmful statements that may shut down communication.
Proper support involves active listening and the willingness to be present with the person in their pain [1]. By avoiding prohibited phrases, supporters can create a space where the grieving individual feels heard, and understood.
The guidance provided by the DSNS psychologist serves as a framework for those who may not have formal training in crisis intervention but find themselves supporting friends, family, or colleagues during difficult times [1].
“Certain common expressions, often intended to be comforting, can actually be perceived as dismissive.”
The guidance from the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reflects a broader public health effort to decentralize psychological first aid. By teaching the general public how to avoid harmful communication patterns, the state aims to reduce the long-term psychological burden on citizens and mitigate the risk of complicated grief in high-stress environments.
