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27 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,A pril 15,2021 theifp.ca News Media Canada Médias d'Info Canada If Parliament doesn't deliver, local news dies. Google and Facebook are using their power to scoop up 80% of online revenue generated by hardworking journalists and publishers across Canada. Other governments are standing up to the web giants and protecting local news in their countries. Parliament needs to act on their commitment to protect the future of your local news. Learn more at levellingthedigitalplayingfield.ca Cut out paying more Your only destination for more coupons, more flyers, more savings. #SavingWithSave Save $1.00 On One (1) Green Giant* Veggie Fries or Veggie Rings 340 g save.ca/couponsScan to get coupons © 2020 B&G Foods Canada, ULC. All Rights Reserved. *T.M. of B&G Foods North America, Inc., used under license. Assumptions -- beliefs or feelings that something is true without proof -- are common when it comes to mental health. They may include things like believing that people of a certain age or race can't struggle with their mental health, or that someone who lives with a mental-health dis- order can't be successful in a particular job. Our assumptions can come from a number of places, including past ex- perience, inaccurate infor- mation, and even discom- fort. And when trying to support others, assump- tions can sidetrack us from making meaningful con- nections and providing helpful support. So what can we do to avoid assumptions and support others in a way that fits what they are ac- tually experiencing, rath- er than what we might as- sume? Consider these tips: • The magic word is "lis- ten." Rather than thinking you know what someone is feeling, open your ears, hear it from them and be- lieve what they are saying. If someone says they are feeling anxious, accept and validate that they are feel- ing anxious. Don't try to discount it with something like "They're too young to be anxious" or "They seem fine, so they must be fine." • Pay attention to your own thoughts. If you find assumptions creeping in, take a moment to remind yourself to focus on what someone is saying rather than what you think they ought to be saying. • Ask questions. For ex- ample, if you assume that someone has certain reli- gious beliefs, you might say something like "You need to go to church." But, if you don't know for sure, ask a question instead, something like "Are you part of a faith communi- ty?" Then, focus on helping them explore what would help them rather than as- suming that you know what is best. • Watch your words. The language you use can sug- gest assumptions and dis- comfort with the conversa- tion that could contribute to someone feeling judged and reluctant to share. Saying something like "You aren't feeling stressed, are you?" sug- gests that either you think they shouldn't be feeling stressed or that you are hoping they answer "no" because you don't want to talk about it. "How are you feeling?" is a better, neu- tral, more open-ended way to go. • Stay in the present. If you think about when someone has been upset in the past, you may dismiss and discount what they're saying now with some- thing like "They're always so emotional" or "Here we go again". Take each con- versation on its own and remind yourself that no matter what they've expe- rienced in the past, what they are experiencing now is valid. If you'd like to learn more about supporting others, consider taking a Mental Health First Aid virtual course to gain valu- able skills. Find upcoming sessions at www.hal- ton.cmha.ca/programs- services/mental-health- first-aid. Melanie McGregor is the communications and advancement specialist at the Canadian Mental Health Association Halton Region Branch, which provides mental health/ addiction community sup- port and education. Visit www.halton.cmha.ca for more information and follow @cmhahalton on Twitter. OPINION AVOID ASSUMPTIONS WHEN TRYING TO HELP PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS CAN BE A ROADBLOCK TO SUPPORTING THOSE IN NEED, WRITES MELANIE MCGREGOR Focus on listening and try to avoid making assumptions when offering someone help. Shutterstock photo MELANIE MCGREGOR Column