How to support a loved one with facial palsy

When someone you care about is diagnosed with facial palsy, it can be hard to know what to say or do. Facial palsy affects the muscles of the face, often causing visible asymmetry, difficulty with eye closure, speech, or eating — and it can also deeply affect a person's confidence and emotional wellbeing.

A guide for friends and family

When someone you care about is diagnosed with facial palsy, it can be hard to know what to say or do. Facial palsy affects the muscles of the face, often causing visible asymmetry, difficulty with eye closure, speech, or eating — and it can also deeply affect a person's confidence and emotional wellbeing.

As a friend or family member, your support matters more than you might realise. Here’s how you can be there for them in ways that are truly helpful.

1. Understand what facial palsy is — and isn’t

Facial palsy occurs when the facial nerve is damaged, causing weakness or paralysis of one side of the face. Common causes include Bell’s palsy, surgery, trauma, or stroke. While some people recover completely, others may experience long-term symptoms.

Facial palsy can affect:

  • Eye closure and blinking
  • Facial expressions
  • Speech clarity
  • Eating and drinking
  • Tear and saliva control

Important: Facial palsy doesn’t affect intelligence or personality. Your loved one is still the same person inside.

2. Be patient with communication

Facial palsy can make speaking more difficult. You might notice:

  • Slurred or unclear speech
  • Facial expressions that don’t match the person’s mood
  • Trouble smiling or blinking

How you can help:

  • Give them time to speak without interrupting.
  • Maintain eye contact and listen attentively.
  • Avoid finishing their sentences unless they ask you to.
  • Don’t assume they’re upset or disinterested — their facial muscles may not reflect their true emotions.

3. Offer practical help — without taking over

Daily tasks can become harder, especially early on. Eye protection, eating in public, and going out may all feel overwhelming.

Helpful gestures include:

  • Offering to drive them to appointments.
  • Preparing soft or easy-to-eat meals.
  • Helping them remember medication or eye care routines.
  • Asking "Would you like help with this?" rather than assuming.

Being supportive without being overbearing is key. Let them guide how much help they want.

4. Support their confidence

Facial palsy can significantly affect self-esteem, especially in social situations. People often feel self-conscious, embarrassed, or withdrawn.

You can support their emotional wellbeing by:

  • Reassuring them they’re not defined by their appearance.
  • Encouraging them to keep participating in social activities, even if they feel hesitant.
  • Avoiding comments like “It’s not that bad” or “No one notices” — instead, listen and validate their feelings.

A simple “You’re doing really well” or “I’m proud of how you’re handling this” goes a long way.

5. Learn with them

If your loved one is going through therapy or treatment (such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, or Botox injections), ask if they’d like you to learn about it too.

  • Read reliable information together.
  • Attend appointments if they’d like company.
  • Celebrate small milestones in recovery.

This shows you’re in it with them, not just watching from the sidelines.

6. Be aware of the emotional impact

Depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal are common among people with facial palsy. They may feel frustrated, isolated, or angry — especially if progress is slow.

Let them know it’s okay to:

  • Feel low or discouraged
  • Talk to a counsellor or join a support group
  • Have both good days and bad days

Encourage open conversations about how they’re feeling, and gently suggest seeking professional support if needed.

7. Keep showing up

Recovery from facial palsy can take weeks, months, or longer. Some patients may never fully recover. There may be plateaus or setbacks. The most powerful thing you can do is stay consistent in your support.

  • Check in regularly, even with a short message.
  • Invite them out, even if they say no sometimes.
  • Keep treating them as the same person — because they are.

Final thought

Facial palsy can affect far more than just the face — it touches every part of a person’s life. But with your understanding, kindness, and patience, you can help your loved one feel seen, supported, and never alone on the journey.

Sometimes the best thing you can say is simply:
"I'm here — however you need me."

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