It is not only you who search for what to say when someone is in the hospital.
I used to, too.
Honestly, we always get confused when a friend or your acquaintance gets sick, especially if they have to suffer from a severe health condition. We want to say something with care, but it is should also not too dramatic and insensitive.
Well, relax!
I find out that the best wish should be warm, encouraging, and hopeful. Primarily, keep it short and honest. Otherwise, you should send a get-well card, together with your gift. Write down your prayer for your sick friend. Those words will put a smile and motivation on his/her lips.
If you still do not come up with precisely what to say when someone is sick, keep scrolling down here.
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What to Say When Someone Is In The Hospital? – Dos and Don’ts
Whatever you say, keep something in mind to bring comfort to your loved one and to yourself. To help, I want to share some useful advices shared by my personal psychotherapist. (Thanks, Samata, if you accidentally read this blog.)
Dos
Try to find out the patient’s condition in advance
What to say when someone is in the hospital depends significantly on their current health condition. Hence, it is better if you can find out something about his/her health before visiting her in person.
You can ask the patient’s family or do some searches beforehand.
Put yourself in their shoes
Do not get me wrong.
By no means I want you to suffer from sickness. However, just try placing yourself in your friend’s situation. How might you feel then? What will make you comfortable and comfortable?
Do unto others similar to what you want others to do unto you.
Be kind and sympathetic.
The less, the better
Sometimes, people in the hospital do not want to discuss their health conditions too much. Being present with them in a hard time is a massive gift. Nothing much to say.
Thus, most of the time, the less you say – the better.
Pay attention to the patient’s mood
Find clues whether your friend or acquaintance wants a chat.
If they do, then you can lead on the conversation with a comfortable topic, saying, “you look better today.” Then, you can move on to their current condition (if they are willing to reveal some) and your best wish.
Maintain regular contacts
For those in sick, caring touch is worth more than words. Hence, you should sit beside your friends, holding their hand gently and maintain eye contact while giving a get-well wish to them.
Tell them you and others really miss them and want them back to work or to school soon.
Ask to help when possible
Instead of a blank wish, show your care in realistic actions.
Ask them whether there is something you can help with. For example, “Do you want me to wait for test results with you?” or “I will bring you something for dinner. Is chicken or lasagna ok?” and “I am in all ears if you want to share.”
Don’ts
“You look great!”
Such a cliche!
A misusing word can make the patient down. Sick people do know that their skin is skeletal and covered with sores and their hair might even fall out, here and there.
So “you look great” is such a thoughtless wish. Instead, just say “you look better today. Get well soon.”
“This is God’s will.”
Many people say to someone with cancer, thinking it will relieve the patient’s hard time. Who will feel comfortable to receive such a thing, even when they believe in god?
“I know how you feel.”
Lady Gaga said ‘’ Til it happens to you, you don’t know how it feels. And, ‘til it happens to you, you won’t know. It won’t be real.”
That one suffers from the loss of a limb is not the same as the time you broke your leg.
However, if you have genuinely suffered it yourself, you can still share “I’ve been through your experience, and I have totally got through. You can, as well!” This, in contrast, a big motivation.
Never complain about your problems
The patient already feels terrible and wants to be cared for instead of hearing about your own problems and be sympathetic to you.
So, do not complain about things like a cold or a headache or you share their feeling just because you are also in a hard time.
Words of Comfort for A Friend in Sick – with a Card
Be yourself and convey your true care to your loved one. Do not fear of speaking it out loud.
In case you find it really hard to say directly, write down some words in a get-well card. Keep it short or honest.
There are some recommended words of comfort such as strength, faith, peace, care, support, healing, recovery, improvement, rest, get well, hope, improve, better, quick, healthy, rested, etc. Use some to make your best wish.
Or, take notes some examples here:
- Get well soon, bro, so I can drop over and bother you!
- I am sending you with warm regards, hoping you will get well soon
- I am praying for peace and strength to get you through and get well soon
- Wishing you well
- All of us miss you around here soon!
- Take extra good care and get well
- I want to send sound and healthy vibes your way
- Warm regards for a speedy recovery
- We hope you feel a litter better day by day
Read Later: How to Write a Best Man Speech?
What to Say to Someone Who Has Cancer?
People with cancer are susceptible. Hence, please carefully consider when picking your words. Take the Dos and Don’ts I mentioned earlier. Be hilarious if your friend is a positive one.
Refer to some get-well messages here.
- Bro, just kick off cancer’s butt like they way you kick the ball and goal!
- You are never alone. We all love you and are by your side when life is tough. Do not ever forget that.
- Cancer has a “can” so just focus on what you can do instead of what you can’t. Be healthy and positive!
- Tell cancer with whom it is messing. Bro, there is no chance you will be lost in this fight. We support you!
Wrapping Up
Now, you know what to say when someone is in the hospital, right? It is time to buy or make a sweet gift and bring it together to the hospital to support your friend in a hard time.
Before you go, take note of the two things: “Care” and “Be honest!”
