Lost in the Woods: Why Support Matters (Even When It Doesn't Fix Anything)

I often tell clients: being lost in the woods alone is probably one of the worst things imaginable. You're scared, no clue how to get out, and completely on your own. Now, imagine being lost in the woods with a friend. Maybe they don’t know the way out either - but they’re there. You’re still lost, still scared, but it’s different, because you're not alone.

This is the essence of support. It doesn’t always fix the problem, and it certainly doesn’t erase the fear or pain. But it changes the experience of facing it. When you’re not alone, it somehow just feels better, more manageable.

We often find ourselves thinking that support only matters if it comes with a solution. That if someone can’t fix what we’re going through, their presence isn’t enough. On the flip side (and maybe even more so), when we’re the ones offering support, we sometimes feel the pressure to have all the answers too. But in both cases, we’re actually missing the point: support is not about having the right answer. It’s about showing up, offering connection, and being present, even when we don’t have a solution.

Support looks different for everyone.

It might be a friend who listens without trying to solve the problem.

A partner who just sits quietly with you when things feel heavy.

Or a therapist who holds space for your pain without rushing to make it go away.

When we try to "fix" things, we might end up missing the mark. Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is simply be there - not as problem-solvers, but as witnesses to another person’s experience. Validation often means more than a hundred suggestions on how to fix the issue. Sometimes, all someone really needs to hear is, “I see you. I hear you. This is hard, and I’m here with you.”

Being human is tough sometimes. We all face moments when we feel lost, uncertain, or overwhelmed. And in those moments, it’s not the answers that matter most - it’s the connection. So, whether you’re the one giving support or receiving it, remember: you don’t have to have all the answers. Just show up. Because I promise that's enough.

Support Matters • Connection Over Fixing • Support Without Solutions • Validation • Mental Health Awareness