Ihadcancer 316 Posted March 31, 2017 Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word. Studies have proven that words of encouragement help those who are struggling. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jonathan123 2346 Posted March 31, 2017 Yes Diane. I have written before about the power of words and how they can help or discourage. We have to be careful how we use words. So many so called 'professionals' use words in therapy that the patient doesn't always understand and are sometimes afraid to ask. In counselling one understands only too well the problems a misplaced word can cause. When someone admits to a even mild mistake in their lives a sharp intake of breath from the therapist can ruin weeks or months of work. Why? Because it's judgemental. None of us have the right to judge others. "Judge not lest ye be not judged". We all have things that we may be ashamed of. But being critical of others when we have problems of our own is not good. In anxiety the critical onlooker can cause so much pain by a chance remark. Men are especially vulnerable to criticism because, even though we are supposed to be more enlightened, anxiety is still considered by many to be 'unmanly'; a sign of weakness. It is statistically said that more women than men suffer from anxiety. I question that. It's just that women are more prepared to come forward and admit they have a problem than men. Give me female patient anytime. A women will say more in one session than a man in ten. The classic therapist's story comes to mind. The patient came for six sessions and the therapists could not understand why they did not seem to be getting anywhere. As the man left after the sixth session he turned at the door and said, " Oh by the way, my wife left me six weeks ago". By the way!!!! Six weeks of wasted effort when a woman would have admitted to it during the first session. But he was ashamed of telling the therapist because it looked as if he, a man, had failed to keep a women happy. At the beginning of my GAD I was told by a so called 'healer' that I would never get over anxiety. Thanks!!!! That was all I needed at the time. Had I been even lower than I was a remark like that could have tipped me over the edge. I knew nothing about anxiety then, and neither did she apparently. So yes Diane, let's use words of encouragement. Not raising false hopes, but helping the sufferer to see that all is not lost. It never is. Even on the darkest days there is still hope; a glimmer of light in the darkness. 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MsLLL 410 Posted April 10, 2017 'Not raising false hopes, but helping the sufferer to see that all is not lost. It never is. Even on the darkest days there is still hope; a glimmer of light in the darkness.' Yes, this!!!!!! Exactly right, Jonathan! There is always hope! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ihadcancer 316 Posted April 10, 2017 What a beautiful day this has been! Tomorrow is my visit with the oncologist and I expect only great news. Actually, tomorrow marks 5 years since 80% of my liver was removed due to a colon cancer met which made me Stage IVa! I will not die, but live! And I will proclaim what the LORD has done! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
