Handle Someone's Shame

How to respond to withdrawal, focus on failure or self-criticism and support healthy self-esteem.

• Feedback the behaviour you're noticing to give the person an opportunity to open up. E.g. "You seem more withdrawn than usual. Is there something going on for you?"
• Show empathy and consider sharing your own vulnerabilities. This can help create a safe space for people to open up and share their thoughts and feelings.
• If the person is highly self-critical, help them to balance this by focusing on their strengths. Support them to challenge any unhelpful thinking.