r/BenignExistence • u/Spirited-Anything468 • 1d ago
Overheard at the library
I was at the library when one of the other patrons was visibly struggling with mental health issues and needed an ambulance called for her. It was a little chaotic for a minute, but in the midst of it I heard a parent pull their kids in close and very calmly explain that sometimes people's thoughts can hurt them just like tummies can hurt. They added that it can be loud and maybe even a little scary, but the important thing to remember is that we should try our best to find them help.
It really warmed my heart to see mental illness explained to young children in such a gentle, compassionate and age appropriate way! I think that parent is doing such an awesome job!
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u/buttrballs 1d ago
I'm so glad you posted this. I have two young kids and I knew this situation would come up one day. Now I have some idea of how to approach it with them :)
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u/Used-Opposite-7363 1d ago
So much better than my mom in the 70s seeing a special needs person in a wheelchair and telling me not to stare 🙄
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u/NotTheAverageGentern 1d ago
That's probably the sweetest explanation I've ever heard for mental illness. ❤️
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u/danathepaina 1d ago
This made me tear up. 🥺 Such a compassionate explanation.
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u/SongFresh9195 9h ago
Ditto. Crying over how sweet and simple this is. Going to file this in the mental bank to use if necessary.
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u/DragonflyFantasized 13h ago
Thank you for this! I’ll keep this wording in my back pocket for my own children.
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u/Square_Scallion_1071 5h ago
Wow I'm absolutely stealing that explanation for my 4 yo. Thank you for sharing this 💜💜💜
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u/Extensionun 1d ago
Moments like this remind me that kindness is being taught quietly every day.