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All of which sound, well, extremely similar to empathy.
Marc Campbell, LHMC
The answer, some experts say, isnt all that clear cut.
So its actually debated, and there are different opinions in academia.
While the precise definitions arent yet universally established, these feelingsareuniversal to the human experience.
What is empathy?
a licensed mental health counselor and author ofI Love My Queer Kid
This, in a simplistic way, is a common definition of empathy.
You dont have to have experienced the same exact thing as the other person order to feel empathy.
An example Campbell shares is empathy within the relationship between a queer child and their caregiver.
Empathy often has a distinct psychosomatic impact on us that can make it recognizable, too.
The important part, in my theory of empathy, is that it doesnt always have to be conscious.
Sometimes when you see somebody whos crying or in distress, it immediately makes you feel distressed.
That can be a strong motivation to do something to help the other person, Dr. Preston says.
What is sympathy?
Essentially, sympathy is when you are concerned about someone who is going through something difficult.
a licensed mental health counselor and author ofI Love My Queer Kid
Youre not feeling their exact emotions, but you are feeling worried about them.
How are empathy and sympathy different?
So you dont actually have to share in their [emotional] state at the time to have sympathy.
it’s possible for you to sympathize with somebody whose experience you dont really understand.
They would rather have somebody relate to their experience, which is more the empathy component.
In some cases, it can (and should) lead to action.
This is where sympathy and empathy can translate into something else: compassion.
How can I turn sympathy or empathy into compassion?
Sympathy, empathy, and compassionat their most basic levelare all related.
They arise from our interpersonal relationships and typically provide something positive in negative situations.
Compassion is connected to both sympathyandempathy, because both can lead to taking action, Campbell says.
Compassion is simply allowing your feelings of sympathy or empathy to guide you to help.
That parent can also show compassion by starting a fundraiser for the local LGBTQ+ center.
Being compassionate doesnt have to be some grand gesture, it could just be being there for someone.
I think compassion is sort of a key to unlock our interactions with other people.
Stephanie Preston, PhD
The idea of compassion at large can shape how we view humanity, as well.
Compassion can come out of empathy, but it doesnt have to.
Empathy and sympathy are more like predispositions that are emotional, motivational states.
They can promote action, but dont always.
Dr. Preston says that building compassion for other people is like a muscle that you could train within yourself.
I think compassion is sort of a key to unlock our interactions with other people.
Its like a muscle that you’ve got the option to exercise through compassion-based meditation.
Practicing compassion for yourself is important, too.
A lot of people generate conflict because they need compassion for themselves, says Dr. Preston.
Some effective practices to help youincrease your self-compassionincludejournalingand transformingnegative self-talk.
Everyone is worthy of having the opportunity to be given grace, compassion, and support.
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