We are all, at some point, guilty of not being able to do justice to our words when dealing with people with mental and psychological difficulties. Dr. Fabian Saarloos, Clinical & Health Psychologist at Al Harub Medical Centre, guides us on how to tread lightly with our words when dealing with someone who is mentally ill.
Talking about emotions is not as easy as it sounds, and talking about emotional problems or troubling thoughts may be even frightening. People can be very reluctant when it comes to addressing psychological issues, even when sharing them with their family and friends. Fear of stigma or discrimination may be one reason. Although your reactions to someone you care for may be well meant and supposed to distract or cheer up that person, it may not necessarily be the response someone with psychological problems may expect. He/she may actually feel that you have not really listened and understood him/her, and thus feel even more frustrated or rejected. Here are some common things you should avoid saying when dealing with someone who is troubled by psychological problems.
1. “I KNOW EXACTLY HOW YOU FEEL!”
It is commendable that you’re trying to show someone who is dealing with psychological problems that you care and understand him/ her. Sympathy and compassion surely are very comforting, however, they do not change the problem. It shows that you support him/her, but when followed by stories and advices from your own experience, it also could give the other the impression that you “know better”. Considering that everyone has his own unique background and ways of experiencing the world, we can never feel “exactly” what others may feel. The other may well feel understood, but he/she will find it difficult to identify with you and may feel rejected. What you can do is trying to really understand, to respect and appreciate the other with his unique thoughts, feelings and behaviours. Ask him/her questions about the troubling experiences, and try to compare and contrast them with yours.
2. “IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSE!”
この記事は The Woman の July 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Woman の July 2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、8,500 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Changing Perceptions
‘Inside the Middle East’, CNN’s monthly show draws on the channel’s unique presence in and understanding of the region to tell stories about art and culture to CNN’s global audience. In an exclusive, Deepa Rajan spoke to Becky Anderson, Managing Editor, CNN Abu Dhabi and two of the many dynamic presenters of ‘Inside the Middle East’: well-known Egyptian jeweller Azza Fahmy and Leabanese music icon Yasmine Hamdan
Preserving Tradition
Azza Fahmy Jewellery Designer"I have always seen challenges as opportunities and from my point of view, these would have been same, for anyone building a business, irrespective of gender with the exception of juggling the raising of a family".
Toddler Travel
What puts you off travelling? For us it is the tedious travel times and flying. It becomes all the more tiresome when you have overactive toddlers. But why use it as an excuse not to travel. Farzeen Ashik’s been there done that and here’s what she’s learnt.
Manage That Stress
Homaira Kabir reflects on how we can deal with the daily demons of stress and that feeling of being overwhelmed.
Summer Chic
Who said your Summer wardrobe has to cost your entire month’s salary? Antara Bose picks 10 styles that look trendy and cost less than rials 50!
Celebrating Entrepreneurship
The British embassy recently hosted Women in Business After Tea at the Ambassador’s residence. A report.
Spiritual Goals
Farzeen Ashik lists 10 smart goals to make sure that this Ramadan you step back, evaluate yourself, and reset your intentions
For Sustainable Growth
Policymakers and industry experts discussed best industry practices and emerging business opportunities at the third Oman Real Estate Conference
Best Foot Forward
Here's how you can have a great first week at work and make every day count at your new job
Beyond Baby Blues
Dr. Fabian Saarloos, Clinical & Health Psychologist at Al Harub Medical Centre talks about Postpartum Depression and how to deal with it as a family
