Unhealthy Other-Pity When A Child, Parent, or Spouse Suffers

The Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Podcast

In this episode, I discuss the experience of unhealthy other-pity. When loved ones have pain and suffer, it is not uncommon for those who care for them to experience their own negative emotions. I show how it is important for caretakers to have healthy negative emotions related to the pain and suffering being experienced by a child, parent, or spouse. These emotions will enable the caretaker to care for themselves and their loved ones and avoid overextending themselves to care for their child, parent, or spouse. I identify and discuss the unhealthy feelings of other-pity, guilt, and depression and the attitudes caretakers hold that give rise to these emotions. Finally, I discuss healthier attitudes the caretaker can choose to adopt to more effectively respond to the challenging scenario of caring for an elderly parent, sick child, or spouse.