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Comments on In Defense of Sadness by Karen Ritchie, MD
A powerful article and very true.
Ann F.
I thought the piece was well written and on target. Our American dream world
is so nice and most of us manage to achieve more of it than most of the rest
of the world can now or even our families were able to in the past. The
downside is that as a culture we don't have much experience in dealing with
the nastier facts of life like serious illness and lost of abilities and
beauty from any cause. Many people try the old standby of throwing money at
the problem or medical care. Some things neither money nor medicine can put
totally back together again, never the way it was before. And knowing this
and feeling frustrated, others still in their safe worlds do not want to be
reminded and pressure to one with whatever problems to keep still or act like
a person scripted for a heart warming story where valiant courage and
positive thinking win out in the end. Yes, sometimes someone has to say joy
and healing will come, but sadness and even depression may have to be
traveled through.
Thanks for putting this up,
Jean
I am the coordinator of a breast cancer support group in Upstate NY. I just
read Karen Ritchie's article "In Defense of Sadness" on your web page. It is
a valuable piece for those who have cancer and are dealing with their
families.
Would it be possible to run this piece in our bi-monthly newsletter, of
course crediting Cancerlynx and Dr. Ritchie. I am also planning on including
your website in our newsletter.
Thank you.
Karen Christensen
Coordinator
After Breast Cancer Network
Utica, NY
"Emotional dishonesty keeps others at a distance."
Yes, this is true. It also takes a lot of energy. I have done this
with a set of people. Yet emotional honesty when bringing up cancer,
and trying to be honest with some friends (not in a long winded way)
that it is lonely and depressing, also has had the effect of others
backing away. It is a very lonely disease. Supporters are rare, and
who will be a supporter is unpredictable.
Ginny
Looking good!! I liked the article and also the one on preparing for
surgery. Keep up the great work.
Lee
That was beautifully put and all too true! Thanks for sharing the insight!
Dear Alexandra,
Thank you for sharing that link with the group...I've shared the article on
sadness with my daughter who has IBC...we both tend to be the strong and
positive sort....not wanting to seem sad around the other...with the article
I was able to tell her she needn't be so brave all of the time....as well as
my own sad feelings. It was a 'door' for us....
thank you and bless you,
Robin
Thanks for the reminder. I think it's a great article and very realistic.
The idea should be to help people get through their grief, not bury it
because that just causes more problems.
It was good to see you too!
Take care,
Deb
Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is the first time I have heard anyone
suggest that "positive thinking" might not be the ideal state at all times.
It's about time. Let's hear more from Karen Ritchie.
Love, Phyllis
P.S. The site looks better every time I look at it.
Great site, it is now on my bookmark list. The atricle on sadness hit
right on the mark for today. Some days are good days and some days you
have to wear the happy mask .Sure felt good to be told I could take the
mask off for a while.
Chris from the burbs of Chicago
Indeed a good article. I think many of those of us who are survivors may
commonly "put on a happy face" to get through the day. Our friends do not
want to hear incessantly of our medical problems and sometimes it is the
path of least resistance. This does however take a toll as is pointed out
in the article.
Thanks for pointing this article out.
Pam
Great article, Karen. I've passed it on to folks I know who work
with cancer patients.
I didn't know about CancerLynx. Thanks.
All best,
Larry
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