Disorders and compassion

For those of us who don’t suffer from mental or psychological disorders, it can be difficult to empathize with those who are bipolar, manic depressants, or generalized anxiety disorder (just to name a few).

Before we judge and label people, it’s important to remember that these are actual (and in some cases un-treatable) ailments that these people didn’t choose.

This perspective can be helpful in cultivating empathy: We would never be quick to judge someone because they had diabetes or tuberculosis.  Similarly, we can have compassion for those with other ailments for which they are essentially victims of biology.