In the course of taking stock of my own mental health, over the past 72 hours, I was reminded of my attempt to start something called the Talossan Empathy Network. It would have been a space for vulnerable, challenging interpersonal discussions which I think could have been a tool for growth, connection and even transformation.
Here was the announcement from quite a while ago:
Quote from: Breneir Tzaracomprada on August 25, 2022, 07:10:20 PMThe past six months have seen a remarkable number of instances where citizens reference struggles with their mental health. Obviously COVID and economic difficulties are implicated somewhat. And I aware that none of us, insofar as I am aware, is a mental health professional but that does not mean we are unable to be sources of empathy and compassion for one another. The education of our personal experiences, while not qualifying us to be truly effective clinical providers, does allow us to provide the ear and eyes of someone who knows the path the other speaks of.
There will be inevitable, necessary considerations on privacy concerns which may vary by person. But in this thread and maybe a freestanding group in the future I would like to guage public interest in convening a mental health support group. If it is warranted and advisable, then what are concerns that need to be addressed before launch?
I am certainly not the best person to sponsor and spearhead it now. But I do think some kind of dedicated effort to nurture these kinds of discussions could make Talossa a place of belonging and comfort. Should someone take the baton I believe that there was a suggestion that the discussions be guided by the rules of Nonviolent Communication.
Normal people (for the non-exclusionary senses of that term) do not need a special space or group to remind them to be empathetic. It's something they do out of reflex, because they are humans.