- Be Understanding – Try to understand how the person is feeling.
- Show Empathy and Compassion – “Empathy is a way to connect to the emotion another person is experiencing; it doesn’t require that we have experienced the same situation they are going through. Empathy means connecting with people so they know they’re not alone when they are experiencing a struggle.” – Brene Brown
Brene Brown also once said:
“The power of empathy:
I’m in it with you.
I’m not here to fix you.
I’m here to feel with you and let you know you’re not alone.” - Become Educated / Educate Others – By educating ourselves and others, we can better understand those who are suffering.
- Listen – Active listening is where you make a conscious effort to hear not only the words that another person is saying but, more importantly, the complete message being communicated.
• Use verbal affirmations such as, “I hear you,” or “I see.”
• Paraphrase to show understanding
• Use non-verbal cues (i.e. nodding, eye contact, leaning forward)
• Ask open-ended questions
• Build trust and establish rapport
• Accept moments of silence - Accept – Accept the things you cannot change. Accept that you may not be able to help his or her chronic pain go away, but you do have the power to be present, show empathy, and connect with people so they know they are not alone amidst their pain.
- Get Involved – Many organizations provide opportunities for people to get involved through volunteering and attending events. Find out ways that you can get involved in your local community or organization of interest.
- Donate – Donating funds to a foundation of interest has the potential to further research and sustain programs specific to an organization.
Let’s help make the invisible, visible! One story at a time.