What To Do When Someone Is Struggling

Learn more about Dr. Rutstein’s Professional Program; visit drjeffreyrutstein.com/links Want to leave a question? Call 866-357-5156 What do you do when someone you care about is struggling — a child, a partner, a friend, or a client — and nothing you try seems to help? In this episode of Wired for Well-Being, Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein explores why helping others can get so complicated, especially when trauma, chronic illness, anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, or emotional overwhelm are involved. This conversation looks at why advice often falls flat, why fixing is not the same as supporting, and how our own urgency can quietly get in the way of real connection. Drawing on a nervous system perspective, trauma healing, and polyvagal-informed insight, Jeffrey and Steve unpack what people actually need when they are struggling. They explore the difference between helping and imposing, why regulation matters more than having the right words, and how presence, curiosity, and safety often do more than solutions. They also look at what happens when the body itself feels unsafe, why healing cannot be rushed, and how small moments of connection can begin to create real change. If you’ve ever wanted to support someone well but felt unsure what to do, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate way forward. Have a question for Jeffrey? Leave a voicemail at 866-357-5156. If you can’t reach that number, record a voice memo or email [email protected]. Learn more about Dr. Rutstein’s Professional Program; visit drjeffreyrutstein.com/links The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional mental health advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical or mental health concerns.