fandomhigh | Dealing With Other People's Trauma, Tuesday 10/7, 3rd period

“Have you ever found yourself,” Stark asked, looking around at the assembled students, “on purpose or not, comparing troubles? Comparing problems or traumas or issues?”

He paused only for a moment. “Don’t do that. It helps no one.”

“That’s the lesson for today. I’ve heard it said that ‘this is not the trauma Olympics.’ And everyone should keep that in mind. Everyone has experienced a different life. It’s not a competition nor should it be.”

Stark sighed. “I understand the temptation, sometimes, to try and go ‘oh but I’ve had things much worse’ or ‘at least you don’t have to…’ but it’s a bad idea. It’s just as bad an idea to go ‘well, that person has it worse than I do so I should be fine.’ As I said, it’s not a competition. And you’ll only make yourself, or others, feel worse if you try to make it one.”

“So…any thoughts on this? Do you agree? Do you disagree? Is it ever helpful to do something like say to someone, including yourself, ‘oh, other people have it worse’? Any other thoughts you might like to share?”