Sensitive Words During Challenging Times
Be wary of those highly Sensitive Words. Now, More than ever.
With the current COVID crisis, the world is watching and listening to what our leaders say, what our front line workers are doing and how our communities are responding.
The digital world seems to be blowing up with articles, opinions and pivoting new ideas to get through to the other side. At a time when emotions are high and times are uncertain, there are cautionary words that can be highly sensitive and then misunderstood.
"I am so Poor."
There are many times I have said to my children, "we are a little poor this month with that huge bill now!"
But am I poor? Am I living in Poverty? Poverty is defined and measured by the depth of your financial situation (how far below the poverty line you are) and the duration of your financial situation (how long you have been in that situation). Every community and family have poverty lines that differ due to where you live and how many people are living with you.
It is VERY different than feeling a financial hit right now or nervous about being frivolous with spending. Poverty is a defined equation based on living location and household members, and is, therefore, highly complex. Many people may be feeling poor during this situation, but the truth is that we are in unfamiliar circumstances right now and being poor is subjective and frightening to many.
"I am Depressed."
How many of us have said sometime in recent weeks that we are feeling depressed?
I know I have! Life is different, isolating, uncertain and can be downright lonely or boring right now. But be wary. Depression is a mental health condition that can paralyze people without warning.
Depression is thriving right now. It’s a real thing.
We need to be mindful that those who are genuinely suffering and struggling with depression are struggling to try to find the resources they need during this time. Counsellors and help centres are working minimally, and many supports are closed for those needing help. When I think I am feeling depressed, it is essential to capture the term accurately for what it is. Label an emotion explicitly during this sensitive time, using descriptive language. These types of Phrases are expressive and honest, and although they can be warning signs or calls for help, they may not be clinical depression.
I feel in a funk
I feel unproductive and unmotivated
I want to nap a lot, and that is not like me
I am struggling to focus
It is taking me so much longer to get things done.
"I Feel Anxious."
Anxiety is also a mental health condition that plagues many people. But the truth is we all could describe ourselves as being anxious these days.
Anxiety is caused by being consumed with the future. Worrying is something we try not to do because it doesn't take away the troubles and keeps us from inner peace.
But anxiety is an actual condition that is being aggravated and consuming the lives of many during this time. Not necessarily because they have been more affected, but rather because they have a real medical, mental health condition called anxiety. Instead of saying you have anxiety, you may label your emotions with phrases like:
I worry about what will happen
It is hard to watch the news and see all the sickness and hurting
I wish I could know it is going to be fine
I want to know when life can go back to normal
I don't know how much more of this I can take
In a time when our world is needing our compassion and sensitivity more than ever, be careful of the language you use to convey your message. I know your goal is to increase understanding and build unity, not cause confusion or division. So be wary of the words, now and always.
Love your view,