When we feel embarrassed about our health, it’s very hard to verbalise what it is we’re going through. No matter who it is we’re talking to, whether a friend, our partners, or a doctor themself, it’s difficult to communicate everything that’s going on inside your head.
After all, it can be quite scary to try and say something so sensitive out loud. Not to mention the other person may not listen or even be receptive to your worries at all. But when it comes to talking to someone you care about, who you know cares about you too, the effects of such a conversation can be ten times worse than if you were speaking to a stranger!
Indeed, trying to make yourself heard about something vulnerable, only to be turned away or even teased (siblings can be the worst for this!) during the conversation can make it impossible to feel like you can access support for your health in the future.
That’s why we’ve made a mini guide to talking about sensitive issues with loved ones. If you want to have a conversation about something serious, but you’re not sure how to approach it or what response you’ll get, these tips can give you a little more control over the situation.
Find a Private Place to Chat
If you’re going to be having a chat about something sensitive related to your health, don’t do it in the middle of the living room when all your family is around. Don’t do it on a night out with your entire friend group either!
Make sure you save a chat like this for when you’re genuinely alone with the person you want to talk to, and you’ve found a private spot for the two of you to enjoy.
This way you’re far less likely to get any eavesdroppers on the conversation, and if anyone does hear it, they’re not going to say anything about it!
Honesty is the Best Policy
Being honest about what you’re experiencing will allow you to get to the root of the issue. When speaking to a loved one, it’s easier to just be straight up honest than it is to talk round the subject, or to try and use euphemisms to make it sound less awkward when you say something.
Trying to talk to someone you’re close to about something like remedies for premature ejaculation can be awkward enough already. Don’t drag the conversation out by accidentally making it more confusing for the other person to understand.
If you need to, prepare a script beforehand that you can follow. This will also ensure you don’t forget to say anything about the symptoms you’re living with, as it’s easy for these to slip your mind when you’re already feeling stressed.
Let Them Know Upfront if You Want Support
Asking for support at the beginning of your conversation will help to form the tone of what it is you’re going to say. This lets the other person know immediately that what you’re about to get into is more of a serious thing, and it’s not something they can laugh at or just brush off.
Of course, make sure you tell them that you want to have a serious conversation as well. You need to be sure they’re ready to hear about your worries and concerns – it’s not the kind of thing to just spring on someone either!
And this also ensures that once you’re deep into the conversation, if you don’t want any support or advice, you’re not going to get any of that unsolicited stuff! You’re just going to have a loved one’s shoulder to cry on.
Don’t Rush
A conversation about your health isn’t something you should rush. Take your time to ensure you have the right space and attention, and so you’re not feeling pressured to just get it over and done with either.
Tell Your Loved Ones What You’re Worried About
It’s good to share, especially with people who care about you. Even when the health issue is something you’re sensitive about, or you have genuine fear over what it could mean, open up.
Make sure you do so in a place that feels private, and be honest during your conversation. Don’t try to skirt around the hard bits, and take your time in trying to talk about them. And let your loved one know what it is you’re after before you really begin. Doing so will help them to help you.
