We do need each other. There is no replacement for the support of another human being, regardless of what that support might look like. Just not being left alone with our struggles is a source of support.
This then brings Ben to another important point. Imagine if we all had a modicum of education about mental health and could not only show up for each other but show up with some educated actions to take.
I’ve seen so many examples of people who felt the need to say something to a grieving spouse, child, etc., that they wind up saying something that makes everyone who hears it cringe. There are some good examples of what not to say in the article below, but maybe this sentence is the best thing to remember:
“In the end, the best thing to say when you don’t know what to say is just that. “I don’t know what to say, but I’m here for you.” “
Each of us has a choice to make. We can acknowledge that millions of people are oppressed and discriminated against. We can recognize that each additional act of oppression adds to the stress and mental health issues, or we can ignore that and do nothing. We can support celebrities, politicians, and religious figures who have no issue oppressing other people, who favor discriminating against people who are not like us, or we can contribute to lessening the discrimination people face and the harm caused.
Read the article below. Read it slowly and thoughtfully. Then choose wisely.
No, not really, but what we should do is be sure to maintain healthy boundaries. The article below is about Compassion Fatigue. It’s real. I’ve known people who’ve reached that point, and I’ve watched people online reach that point, where they write and share about every new abuse case they see until they just disappear online because they have become overwhelmed.
