Building Empathy
What is empathy?
The ability to understand and share another person's feelings.
Which one involves understanding another person's feelings: empathy or sympathy?
Empathy
Name ONE way empathy can help mental health.
It can help people feel understood, supported, and less alone.
What is one thing you can do to show someone you're listening?
Give them your attention, don't interrupt, and listen to what they're saying.
What is cultural empathy?
The ability to identify and understand the experiences and perspectives of people from different cultural backgrounds.
True or False: You hate to personally experience someone's situation to have empathy for them.
False. You can try to understand someone's feelings even if you haven't experienced the same thing.
What is sympathy?
Feeling pity, concern, or sadness for someone who is experiencing something difficult.
According to the presentation, empathy can create what kind of space for people?
A safe space where people can be open about their struggles.
If someone is struggling, should you immediately try to fix their problem?
No. Ask what they need first. Sometimes they just need someone to listen.
Culture is about more than race and ethnicity.
Name ONE other part of culture.
Schools, communities, family, traditions, religion, language, customs, etc.
Your friend is upset about something you don't think is a big deal.
What should you do first?
Listen and try to understand why it matters to them instead of dismissing their feelings.
Which response shows more empathy?
A: "I'm sorry you're going through that."
B: "That sounds really difficult. I can see why you feel that way."
B
How can empathy help reduce stigma surrounding mental health?
By helping people understand others' experiences instead of judging or making assumptions about mental illness.
What does it mean to validate someone's feelings?
Acknowledge that their feelings are real and understandable, even if you don't personally feel the same way.
True or False: Everyone from the same culture has exactly the same experiences.
False.
What is one way to build empathy?
Listen, ask questions, consider another person's perspective, or learn about experiences different from your own.
What is the biggest difference between empathy and sympathy?
Sympathy is feeling for someone, while empathy involves trying to understand and connect with what someone is feeling.
Why might someone be more likely to reach out for help when they feel understood?
Feeling understood can make them feel safer, supported, and less afraid of being judged.
Which response is more empathetic?
A: "You're overreacting."
B: "I can see why you feel that way."
B
Why is it important to learn about cultures different from your own?
It helps us understand different experiences and perspectives and can prevent assumptions or misunderstandings.
Why is empathy more than simply saying "I understand"
It involves genuinely trying to understand someone's feelings or perspective and responding with care.
Someone says, "I've been really overwhelmed lately."
Give an empathetic response.
Something like: "That sounds really difficult. Do you want to talk about what's been overwhelming you?"
Name TWO ways empathy can positively affect mental health.
Possible answers: Builds stronger connections, creates a safe space, reduces stigma, helps people feel understood, encourages people to seek help, etc.
Someone tells you something difficult they're going through. Name TWO things you could do to show empathy.
Listen, ask what they need, validate their feelings, avoid judgment, or thank them for trusting you.
People within the same culture can have different experiences, beliefs, traditions, and perspectives.