Things you can't see

This week, I've had a rollercoaster of experiences over things you cant see. Some my own, some of other people. In my job, often I am a listener. I think its important in a job where you provide a service, to be a good listener.  So I have been listening alot to people that have been suffering, but they suffer from things you can't see. Funnily enough, Ive been experiencing this a little myself. I have found myself the unfortunate victim of a symptom called "Tinnitus" which is basically a ringing sound in your ears. Like, all the time. Its kinda really annoying when trying to appreciate the stillness of the night, the quiet, the full moon, the stretch of black water...and then this darned ringing like someone has a high pitched radio stuck on no station just going EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.
 You get my drift.

So, this week Ive listened to people who have things in their eyes (blurred vision aching eyes), their heads (pulsing headaches and migraines) , some depression and even morning sickness! And its made me feel a whole lot of empathy for these people who have these things that you can't see. You look at this person and they look absolutely fine, a picture of good health really! And then, apparently, they are sick. And the most dissappointing part  about what they are feeling is that no one else understands what they are going through, and are even getting annoyed with them. Basically if you can't see something, its hard to understand the nature of whats there. Its also hard to empathise at the right time, and support people who have (ringing in their heads and nausea left right and centre) ....I can see why someone with a not so obvious symptom, could easily fall into depression. Unless you have a really caring on to it support person who ASKS you how you are ...its easy to feel ignored and left to suffer in your own silence.

I try to encourage these sorts of people to bring their support people, their other halves, or a sibling in with them. Someone who you can reiterate the nature of the problem and the severity of their ailment. That does not always happen and this is not always an ideal world. heck, even I feel like that many a time, but sometimes I think my other half is too mechanical with his way of thinking about life. You have a problem, whats the solution, right you're on that tablet huh..the end.And I don't think he is alone in this mannerism. I think alot of people (men) are like this.... and sometimes it is our job to (knock some sense into them ) tell them about whats going on and what you need from them (eh) I am also sure alot of medical people fall into the trap of everyone expecting them to 'treat' themselves as it is our profession- and that includes, nurse oneself and ask oneself how one is. (!)no need for anyone else to ?interfere.  
Not trying to go all Dr Phil on you but in a way I am so too.

Anyways, so just a word to my friends, if you know someone that has something, that isnt like a broken leg in a cast, make the effort to remember and ask- hey hows that _______(insert symptom you heard about in the past but can not see) Because I think human nature makes us look at our friends and family and partners for empathy/sympathy as a way to help get us all through any sort of suffering. And many types of suffering are unfortunately silent.

Adios people:)