I think I'm experiencing a little too much empathy lately.
A close friend lost one of her parents (after losing the other parent shortly before the second) another friend's grandparent is dying. I keep thinking about how I'd feel in their position and I'm a bit overwhelmed with sadness. I wish I had the power to make things easier for them. I don't really have much else to say...
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I used to feel like I should say something to "make it all better," but then I learned that there's nothing anybody can say to make it better. What's important is to emphasize that you are thinking of the person and his/her family and that you are more than happy to do anything that will help them out. When it comes to grieving, that cliche "it's the thought that counts" is so true.
At least you are there for your friend.
Just be sure to take some time for yourself (you know, because you have such vast amounts of free time...yeah, right)
There's a reason I didn't go into clinical psychology. I have a hard time separating others' pain from my own. Maybe that's a good attribute? It ceratinly shows you care.
I think whenever you hear of someone dying and there is any kind of "connection," you start to relate it to yourself. Thinking about losing a parent and what that would feel like. I guess it's also a good reminder to stay in touch with loved ones and tell them how important they are to you.
Thanks everyone. Yesterday was a tough day.
Freakles: Thanks for the comment. I do take something from the fact that I'm able to be there for them during this really difficult time.
UR- oh yeah, all that free time. :) Actually, I do have a long weekend this weekend! Yippee.
PG- me too, clinical psych was not for me either.
SG- you're right, it's hard not to see yourself in their shoes. It does make me more motivated to stay in touch with family and do things together.
I know what you mean... recently one of my friends lost her one year old cat, and I kept looking at my cat and getting upset... It's a reminder that we will all lose people we love one day, and a reminder to appreciate our loved ones.
Perhaps it is more a case of Sympathy rather than Empathy?
Interesting comment Souls, I guess it depends on whose definition you use.
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