Unraveling the layers and complexity of the great force of hate
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Hate—what a loaded term, full of tremendous emotions and complicated connotations. But have you ever paused to consider what lies beneath the surface when we casually use the word "hate"? Let's take an excursion into the web of human emotions, shining light Read More...
Unraveling the layers and complexity of the great force of hate
Hate—what a loaded term, full of tremendous emotions and complicated connotations. But have you ever paused to consider what lies beneath the surface when we casually use the word "hate"? Let's take an excursion into the web of human emotions, shining light on the intricate fabric of hatred and Read More...
5 small and practical ways to support a friend through depression
When a loved one is struggling with depression, it's easy to feel helpless. However, you do not need to be a therapist to make a significant difference. According to Boston-based therapist and depression specialist Alexandra Vlahakes, PsyD, "There are things you, as a friend, can do to support Read More...
Empathy and compassion: how to help a loved one suffering from PTSD
Supporting someone who is struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) requires empathy, patience, and knowledge. While the path to healing is extremely personal, you shouldn't underestimate the importance of your role in their journey. Understanding the difficulties of PTSD and Read More...
Healing together: navigating collective grief with compassion and resilience
Grief is a profound human experience, and when it manifests as communal grief, its repercussions ripple throughout society, affecting our emotional well-being and even our nervous systems. As grieving and trauma therapist Gina Moffa, LCSW, points out, sadness isn't confined to the loss of loved Read More...
Follow these 5 steps to develop real empathy
Empathy does not mean you understand someone’s experience because you have been there, too. You can never really know what someone is going through and even if you’ve had a similar experience, it’s always going to be a bit different. Real empathy is the ability to listen fully so you can Read More...
It’s time to use Ukraine as a blueprint for all humanitarian crises
During the pandemic, borders and doors alike closed across the globe. Unfortunately, war, conflict, and persecution continued as normal, forcing millions to flee and leave everything they knew behind. In 2020, the highest number of displaced people ever recorded was reached, at 82.4 million, Read More...
Why we should speak kindly to animals
More and more people are realizing that animals are sentient beings with complex emotional capabilities. Laws in Spain have recently changed to recognize them as such and many studies have also confirmed this, like this experiment which was able to decode pigs’ emotions. An international Read More...
With empathy comes better solutions. Here are 3 ways to be more empathetic
Everyone sees things differently, and yet we often assume that people share our same perspectives. With such assumptions, you may conclude that someone else should also behave like you would or hold your beliefs. Unfortunately, these assumptions are often wrong and can cause us to have less empathy Read More...
Practice mindful listening to get the most out of your conversations
When engaging in conversations (and especially arguments) with others, most people tend to react immediately or impulsively rather than intentionally trying to understand what is being said. Or perhaps when people are speaking, you may find yourself zoning out or getting distracted and not Read More...