Learn how to get emotional support when you need help by clearly communicating what you want from them so they can provide you with what you need.

When we confront and accuse decision makes of hurting us they misinterpret this as a criticism of their decision. It’s not. We just want to be acknowledged for our contributions to that decision: our pain and suffering. Clearly communicate this distinction so you receive less resistance to your message and ask.

 

Example 1 How to Ask for Empathy

Bob hurt you. You go to talk to Tom about it.

* Be clear with what you want: Ask them to listen ONLY and to not comment.

* Ask them to experience the story with you

* Ask them specifically for empathy so they know what’s going on.

 

What you want

you want empathy

you want them to listen to you ONLy. Don’t Comment.

you want them to experience the story with you

 

What they want

they want to help you feel better

 

What you feel

you feel unburdened when you start telling your story and sharing your thoughts and feelings.

 

What they feel

helpless

upset that

1. you are upset and went through this negative experience

2. they want to help you avoid this experience in the future

3. the want to make a difference

4. they want you to feel better

—>>

ACTIONS that they take are

1. tell you to feel better

2. discount your emotions

3. give you advice

 

Offensive to the person hearing it. 

* shows that you’re not engaged in the story

 

 

Example 2

Bob hurt you. You confront Bob about it.

 

 

What you want

* Bob to acknowledge that he hurt you. Apologize

* be careful about wanting to hurt him back. AVOID THIS.

* Outcome?? Is he listens, and then we move on.

OR he listens, and then we decide together on how to move on.

 

What they want

* They don’t want to have this conversation

* They want to be happy

 

What you feel

Upset.

Hopeful that this will be resolved

 

What they feel

Upset.

afraid over what’s going to happen next

Calm them down by communicating the outcome that you want.

Hopeful that this will be resolved

 

To find out when more life education writing is released, subscribe on the side! Follow on Twitter, on Facebook, on Google+, on Tumblr.

We use Brody Steven’s recent suicide on 2/22/19 as an opportunity to discuss what causes suicide using his tragedy as an example.
My condolences to him and his family during this difficult time.
I hope we can prevent future suicide with the knowledge gained from this video

List of signals you should look for in others to prevent suicide:

• Career Difficulties
• Significantly less successful than peers
• Anger towards people who prevent their success. Anger towards people who are judgmental towards them (an inability to let it go and move on).
• Financial Problems
• Lack of Opportunities
• Attitude: Disrespectful, Unfocused
• They say “I could use some therapy”
• They report reasons to have difficulty sleeping.

 

Depression shouldn’t have a stigma attached to it! It’s as normal as having a broken knee. Many people’s depression are justified by their life circumstances (lose job, divorce, etc.) and in fact if they aren’t depressed it’s actually a sign of denial of their life falling apart.

Be more accepting of people going through difficulties!  Medication is a final/last resort.

Better is to help someone work on their life to rebuild it to a better place!