Ever freeze up when someone says, “I’m not OK”? Learn how to respond with simple crisis communication skills that support, not shut down, your peer.
Ever feel stuck when someone opens up about something hard, and you have no idea what to say?
It’s not just you. Most people aren’t taught how to handle emotionally charged conversations. So when a coworker or team member says, “I’m struggling,” we either over-talk, underreact, or panic inside.
And if you’re on a peer support team? That silence can be costly.
Avoiding the conversation, brushing it off, or saying something well-meaning but clumsy can actually shut the person down. The truth is, most of us don’t need fancy therapy skills; we need a simple structure to guide hard conversations in a helpful, human way.
In this episode, you’ll learn a conversation framework that helps you support others without making things worse.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN:
- How to respond when someone says, “I’m not OK”
- What helps people feel psychologically safe in hard conversations
- A simple structure you can use in almost any peer support situation
This episode is practical, encouraging, and designed to help you stay calm, stay present, and stay helpful when things get hard.
OTHER LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
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Connect with Bart
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bartleger
Facebook Page: facebook.com/survivingyourshift
Website: survivingyourshift.com
Want to find out how I can help you build a peer support program in your organization or provide training? Schedule a no-obligation call or Zoom meeting with me here.
Mentioned in this episode:
Houston Area CISM GRIN Training
This 3-day course, hosted by the Atascocita Fire Department, will teach you how to support your peers through effective communication, emotional resilience, and understanding the psychological impact of crises. Register for this training. https://stresscaredoc.com/atascocita-grin Dates: January 6-8, 2026 Times: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM each day Location: Atascocita Fire Admin Building
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