Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Jason Bonn's avatar

Today, I met with someone I'm mentoring. It was our first time meeting and when we were talking (engaging!), she started telling me about a painful time in her life. It was after she became a new mom. Her baby had bad colic (13 months worth) and her mental and physical health started to decline. It kept spiraling for over 5 years. She saw various doctors, invested tens of thousands of dollars, was put on different meds, kept getting no answers, and felt she was being gaslighted (i.e. "It's all in your head".) She kept advocating for herself and eventually found what was wrong and has been on a better path since. But she mentioned she thought about ending her life during this time.

I replied, "It was fiercely painful for you physically, emotionally, mentally, and financially. You were getting shunned by the people you trusted to help you. What made you go on living?"

It was a really good conversation overall. And her response to that question took it in an unexpected, yet very welcome, direction.

Expand full comment
Dana Burke's avatar

Curiosity is the key to engagement! I’m learning the importance of taking my time here and let the curiosity be my guide.

Expand full comment
23 more comments...

No posts