Healthcare Raw Podcast

Sympathy versus Empathy Sympathy is when you feel bad for someone; empthy is when you climb into their skin and feel what they are feeling... Once upon a time I was having a difficulty time with something in my life. It doesn't remember what was going on, it could have been anything. Regardless, I turned to a friend of mine- someone who I thought would be there for me in a time of need. I told him about my problem and was astounded with his response: "Everyone has problems. You need to figure it out on your own." I couldn't believe it! I felt all alone and discarded! I wanted to grab him by the collar and shout, "I NEED YOUR HELP!" Working in healthcare puts me in contact with people who are experiencing problems. Health problems. Psychosocial problems. Emotional issues. You name it. On a daily basis people turn to me in their distress and look for support. Now imagine if someone turns to me in a particularly difficult situation and I respond just like my friend: "Everyone has problems. You need to figure it