I always feel bad when something like the earthquake happens because I don't feel bad enough

[conuly]

I have a vague sense of "Those poor people", but I don't know them, and then I feel guilty about not feeling more deeply.

But, it's not all about me. MSNBC has a list of aid organizations, and I'll link to any that are in especial need (Doctors Without Borders comes to mind) or that are very good with the donations they receive.

Comments

[dv8nation.livejournal.com]

That's natural. I never saw any reason to really feel bad about feeling that way.

[crymytears.livejournal.com]

I haven't felt super sorry either, and almost said so on my facebook, but thought better of it. Somethings do hit me, and I'll be overwhelmed/distraught/ect; this one just didn't. My hubby is never emotional like that and will usually make fun of me until it clears my mind.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I think that's a built-in defense mechanism. You can't feel as badly for strangers as you will for people you know. And that's a good thing.

If every time there was a disaster, plane crash, or even a murder--we reacted as if out favorite brother just died--we would cease to function. There'd be entirely too much grief for us to handle. Our only defense at that point would be to shield ourselves from all grief, eventually desensitizing us to what I would consider an intolerable level. It's perfectly fine IMHO to feel some things fully, and some things peripherally. There's a lot of suffering in the world, and we'd totally dehydrate if we openly wept for all of it, all the time.

[elenbarathi.livejournal.com]

I am deliberately avoiding letting myself be too affected by this, because there's not a damn thing I can do to help, and I can't afford to be crushed by rage and despair. I do not want to see photos of adorable little children hurt and crying in the rubble. I do not want to read the heart-rending grief of those who've lost their families. I have trouble enough of my own, without emotionally crippling myself over the troubles of others I don't know and can't reach.