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Should l do a thread on #PerformativeEmpathy towards Individuals with Mental Health Conditions? This is for the #LettersToMyself movement?
Okay so l will do this thread and bump it up tomorrow. #PerformativeEmpathy is a phrase l think l just made up so shush don't judge me there. #LettersToMyself
#PerformativeEmpathy refers to the response people give to someone who is in distress. :to make that person feel less alone, to make them feel that there are people they can reach out when things are terrible for the. #LettersToMyself t
You know the words for you have probably uttered them too: 1. "I am here for you if you need to talk."
2. "You are not alone."
3." If you ever need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to contact me!"
I know many variations, as do you! #PerformativeEmpathy #LettersToMyself
2. "You are not alone."
3." If you ever need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to contact me!"
I know many variations, as do you! #PerformativeEmpathy #LettersToMyself
So why are discussing #PerformativeEmpathy regarding #MentalHealth? Well let's be honest, really honest.
1. Did people who said you can talk to them actually show up for you when your M. H was bad
2. Did you show up for people with M.H, you promised?
#LettersToMyself
1. Did people who said you can talk to them actually show up for you when your M. H was bad
2. Did you show up for people with M.H, you promised?
#LettersToMyself
It's uncomfortable yes but we need to analyse how harmful this is. I can personally attest to the fact that there are many who have told me that they are here if l need to just talk or be distracted but those moments hit, l was alone. 
#LettersToMyself #PerformativeEmpathy
#LettersToMyself #PerformativeEmpathy
This does not absolve me however, because l probably have done the same to other people. The great problem here is the fake sense of empathy and non-aloneness that we give which is cruelly absent in the real sense. #LettersToMyself #PerformativeEmpathy
Imagine feeling suicidal, having a panic attack, or despondent or just lonely olo sadness and you reach out and are met with a blank wall. That blanket you had all along is not there after all. Think how worse it makes you feel. #LettersToMyself #PerformativeEmpathy
Remember that in this country seeking Mental Health care is quite costly for many people. Yes people should seek professional care but that's not what we are discussing today. #LettersToMyself #PerformativeEmpathy
Discussing M.H issues is easy online, offering help in some vague distant future is great and easy but it is also selfish if you don't mean it. #LettersToMyself #PerformativeEmpathy
So alternative responses that show you care but aren't performative can be: "I am sorry you are going through this, just know that l care for you!"(don't say remember people care ).
Even send love & light if need be if you aren't sure
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#LettersToMyself #PerformativeEmpathy
Even send love & light if need be if you aren't sure
.#LettersToMyself #PerformativeEmpathy
