Tips On Showing Empathy Toward Those in Need For Medical Profession
February 1, 2023|Animal Lovers and Med Team, Emotional Intelligence
Both empathy and sympathy are essential emotions, and each has a specific place in life and in the medical profession. Our patients, colleagues, and staff each have unique and specific individual needs that a strictly scientific and emotionless view does not support fully. We need to actively put more emotion into the medical field. Everything needs to be within a fine balance however, balance can be impossible to find when the medical professions in general have been conditioned to be overly clinical, void of sympathy and empathy, and largely overly competitive.
Let us now consider how more sympathy and empathy can help us provide better care for our patients and each other. Sympathy is usually used during times of struggle, while empathy can be used during both the good times and the bad. It is important to show empathy to help strengthen human connections regardless of the circumstances. Having empathy will allow you to show others that you care, especially when they need you the most. If you are having trouble exhibiting empathy, we have some tips that may help.
Understanding There Are No Rules
Empathy is a strong feeling that comes from within, there is no set way to show those feelings. When someone is going through times of strife, grief or struggle, there is no rule book that shows us how to respond. The same is true for forming a relationship, there are no rules that tell us what to do. Being empathetic is basically exhibiting behaviors that show you care. It is also being a peaceful force that allows those in need to express and share their feelings without judgment.
Tips to Help With Empathy
Be Vulnerable- often our own experiences will trigger our empathy. If you have gone through a similar situation, consider sharing your journey with the person in need. This can help them work through their emotions since they will have an easier time understanding that they are not alone.
Avoid Judgment – when you want to be empathetic, you must leave your judgment at the door. That means making a point to listen actively and hear what the speaker is actually trying to express. Keep in mind they are at a vulnerable point and are trying to ask for you to help. You must also keep in the forefront of your mind that people are each unique and have individual needs, wants, and desires so you must treat people as individuals. We must do better collectively as a community.
Avoid Micromanaging – it is easy to switch to the problem-solving mode when presented with a problem. Let the speaker share their thoughts and feelings without having their voice taken away by micromanagement. Let them lead the conversation and if they ask for advice, then give them small suggestions.
Listen Intentionally – there is power in giving a person your complete attention. When the other party is sharing with you, look them in the eyes while facing them directly. Avoid fidgeting, checking your phone, or looking around the room or at other people.
Be Understanding- affirming the feelings of the speaker is critical, even if you don’t understand or agree with those feelings. This will build trust between you and also help them to work through their emotions in a healthier way.
We must do better and take care of each other.
Until next time, be well.
-The Indigo Phoenix