Let’s be brave enough to listen with kindness
- Deni MHAG
- Oct 17
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 18
Everyone struggles sometimes.
Listening with kindness can be one of the bravest things you do.
In small communities, it can feel like everyone knows you - and that can make it hard to have honest conversations. If someone is struggling, they might not feel safe to talk about it. And we might hold back because we’re unsure what to say, or worry we’ll get it wrong.
But everyone faces hard times. Feeling low, anxious or overwhelmed doesn’t mean failure - it means being human. Listening with kindness helps people feel seen and supported. It reminds them they’re not alone, that what they’re feeling matters, and that help is possible.
What makes a strong community isn’t pretending everything’s fine - it’s being there for each other when it’s not.
Start with noticing
Listening with kindness begins with paying attention.Sometimes people don’t say “I’m not okay” - they show it. You might notice a friend pulling away, becoming short-tempered, or seeming tired all the time. You might sense something has changed, even if they can’t name it.
Judgement can sneak in when we rush to fix things or compare their pain to our own.Instead, stay curious. Listen more than you speak. Silence can be powerful - it shows you’re holding space for what they need to say.
How to listen with kindness
Kind listening isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about small, caring actions - a calm tone, a pause before offering advice, or simply staying present while they speak.When we do that, we quietly challenge the old stigma that talking about mental health is something to be ashamed of.
If you’re not sure where to start:
Choose a quiet moment - a walk, a cuppa, or a drive.
Ask gently: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed yourself lately. Are you okay?”
Let them talk at their own pace.
Hold back from offering solutions straight away.
Offer to help them find support when they’re ready.
Learn more
1800 RESPECT - simple things to be aware of to make it easier for you to support someone who has or is experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence (including sexual harassment)
RUOK? – How to Ask ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
Beyond Blue – How to talk to someone about their mental health beyondblue.org.au/get-support/have-the-conversation
Strong communities look out for one another. Find local and confidential support at Calm, Cool, Connected
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