Empathy is a critical part in what makes us human: the ability to understand things from another person’s point of view helps us to better understand each other. It’s vital in creating safe spaces for our friends and loved ones to feel understood, making it an essential part of mental health care.
It also helps us strengthen our social connections, which is critical to our own happiness and our mental and physical wellbeing. Taking the time to ask a question, to listen, to sometimes just be with that person, can mean a great deal.
Empathy is a powerful tool of humanity – but how does it impact mental health, and how can it be incorporated more into daily life?
Empathy and Mental Health
Most people experience anxiety and sadness at different times throughout their lives, but often, they don’t show or express it. They don’t ask for help, even from family and close friends.
Whether sparked by today’s current events, worries in their own or their children’s lives, or holidays and events like Father’s Day, birthdays, anniversaries, people often work to hide their emotions. In the process, they may act out of character – perhaps short-tempered, withdrawn, unhappy. Because of our own busy schedules, we sometimes miss signs from our friends and family members, or worse, become frustrated, not understanding the reason for their behavior.
This is where empathy can be a helpful tool. One important reminder is to enter every social situation, every event, every conversation, with our “eyes wide open” to an awareness of what others may be dealing with. If someone is acting out of character, that’s usually a sign that something else is happening.
Way to Practice Empathy
Empathy seems to come more naturally for some than others. Is it something we’re born with or need to learn? In some situations, and with some people in our lives, empathy may come more naturally. In other situations, and with other people, we may need to practice. Here are helpful tools to practice with your family and friends.
- Listen – the #1 necessity of empathy
- Ask open-ended questions – allow others to express themselves
- Open up – empathy is a two-way street, be prepared to show some vulnerability
- Avoid assumptions or judgement – be curious, find commonalities, ask more questions
- Offer support
The lesson is awareness and sometimes, action. Through the eyes of empathy, we can first notice and then anticipate how a friend or family member may be hurting and take steps to help – whether it’s inviting them to an event, making and delivering food, or a phone call to connect. At times, simply being there and showing up without judgement, ready to listen, is all someone needs to feel seen and not alone.
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit mental health organization that restores hope for thousands of children, families, and adults each year through community mental health therapy, crisis and stabilization, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. For over 50 years, we’ve used innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Access more resources at nexusfamilyhealing.org/resources.