THE FISH AND THE MONKEY: MY REFLECTION ON EMPATHY

A monkey lived in a tree by a river. One day, the monkey saw a fish swimming in the river and, thinking the fish was struggling, decided to help. Feeling empathy, the monkey quickly climbed down, scooped the fish out of the water, and placed it on a tree branch. However, as the fish flopped around, it soon died. The monkey was left confused and saddened, having only intended to do good.

At first glance, the story might seem simple, but it carries an important message, especially for those of us navigating our own struggles with mental health and supporting others in theirs. The monkey’s mistake wasn’t out of malice; it came from a lack of understanding. The monkey, being a land-dweller, interpreted the fish’s swimming as a sign of distress, but in truth, the fish was in its natural state. The water was where the fish thrived—taking it out of that environment only caused harm.

This story reminds us of something we may already know in our hearts: we can’t always assume that what works for us will work for others, especially when we don’t fully understand their experiences. In the context of mental health, this lesson can be particularly poignant. We might see someone struggling and want to offer solutions, but without truly understanding their perspective, we risk unintentionally making things harder. What feels like a well-meaning "helping hand" may, at times, exacerbate the situation for someone else.

For those of us who care for others—whether it’s through friendships, family relationships, or even in a more professional context—it’s essential to recognize that each person's journey is different. What one person needs might not be what another person needs, and that's okay. The key is to listen deeply and approach others with the understanding that their experience is unique.

For those of us who have been on the receiving end of misunderstanding, this story might also serve as a gentle reminder that sometimes the people around us, even with the best intentions, might not fully understand our needs. This doesn’t diminish their care or love, but it can help us communicate our needs more clearly and compassionately.

In the end, we all have different ways of coping, healing, and thriving. And just as the monkey needed to recognize the fish's environment, we need to respect and understand the environments, struggles, and strengths of others in our mental health journeys.