In times when a person may be going through mood swings and other symptoms, how would you validate what is being said by the person?
The correct answer and explanation is:
Validating what a person is saying, especially when they are experiencing mood swings or other symptoms, involves acknowledging their feelings without judgment and demonstrating empathy. The first step is to listen actively. This means paying attention to what they are saying, maintaining eye contact, and refraining from interrupting. Showing genuine interest and concern through body language and verbal cues, such as nodding or saying things like, “I hear you,” or “That sounds really tough,” can help the person feel understood.
It is also important to avoid dismissing their emotions or offering immediate solutions. Instead of saying things like, “It’s not a big deal,” or “You just need to calm down,” validate their experience by reflecting back what they’ve shared. For example, “It seems like you’re feeling overwhelmed right now,” or “It must be really hard dealing with all of this.” This lets the person know that their feelings are recognized and not minimized.
When someone is dealing with mood swings, acknowledging the shift in their emotions can also be helpful. For example, you might say, “I can see that you’re feeling really angry right now,” or “It looks like you’re having a hard time with sadness.” By recognizing the emotional state, it helps the person feel seen and supported, which can be reassuring.
Finally, validating their experiences means being patient and avoiding quick judgments about the cause of their emotions or symptoms. Rather than jumping to conclusions or making assumptions, give them space to explain further if they wish. Ask open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me more about what’s been going on?” or “What do you think is making you feel this way?” This opens up the conversation without placing any blame or pressure.