Not all Wounds are Visible

A man who I saw speaking earlier today wore a sweatshirt with PTSD on the back and “not all wounds are visible” on the front.

When we see someone with a large bandage covering a body part we almost immediately offer our sympathies.

When we, ourselves, are suffering from mental anguish, heartbreak, betrayal, loss or failure, however, there’s no sign of tangible pain. No bandages required. Our natural inclination is to hide such “soft” challenges from our family and friends and strangers since we know the stigmas associated with divulging these conditions are still very real.

One day I hope our default mindset, as humans dealing with other humans, is compassion. People with smiles on their faces are struggling. Some are only a few bad moments away from “giving up” entirely.

Let’s be kind to each other.