Connection, and are you ok?

26 Jun

I watched an incredibly powerful episode of Q&A last night. Did you see it? It invited discussion about loneliness and connection, especially since COVID.

One generous-hearted audience member, who had lost her son to suicide, posed a question about, what can you ask someone, and how to ask it, when you suspect they're not ok?

The question and ensuing conversation touched me.
It reminded me to make sure I ask if you're doing ok.
To nurture the kind of space that encourages you to let me know if you're not.

I realise the work we do together can sometimes be hard.
I understand that not feeling your physical, mental or emotional best, is a challenging experience.
I also know the difficulties and anxieties associated with trying to conceive, going through IVF, pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and motherhood. It can sometimes, quite frankly, be deeply painful and confronting.

It's brave to ask someone how they are, and to be ready to hear an honest answer.
It's even braver to allow yourself to be vulnerable to being asked that question, and return a real answer, especially if that answer is painful.

I have sat with doctors, desperately hoping they would ask me if I was ok.
Because I wasn't.
But I didn't want to say it first.

I so very much hope I've asked you the question when you needed to hear it.
And I'm so sorry if I didn't.

Please know, if I neglect to ask if you are going ok during our consultation, I still want to know!
I'm always open and ready to hearing if you aren't ok.

Shout it, squeal it, sob it, sign it...I want to know because I want to support you.

Ok?
Ok.

If you would like some naturopathic support, please book an appointment with me to discuss.