It Looks Like We Might Actually Be Fixing Our ‘Thoughts & Prayers’ Problem

A good impulse, no matter how genuine, is only as good as its lasting result. And we seem to be finally figuring that out.

Photo by Basil James on Unsplash

A genuine gesture of empathy is never a bad thing. Acknowledging another person’s pain or suffering, offering emotional support, and proclaiming solidarity can be validating, empowering, and can have tremendous power to help people heal. However, when those gestures are only offered in the moment of crisis and are not followed up with sustained support or action they can start to ring hollow. Or worse yet seem disingenuous or placating warping an intention to offer emotional support and comfort into something which further wounds instead.

When we are personally faced with a trauma or crisis there are several stages to dealing with it. There is the initial moment of crisis itself followed by the emotional and psychological impact of the trauma or loss. Then comes the repairing and recovering from the consequences or loss as well as the process of emotional and psychological healing both of which can wind up being life-long and never truly completed.

Expressions and displays of empathy, support, and solidarity can be immensely helpful in those initial moments of crisis and impact, and can indeed help empower the beginnings of the recovery process in…