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Changing our language doesn’t just change the way patients relate to us. It also changes the way we relate to them. SELF-COMPASSION
In their gowns
We’re often REALLY good at caring for others, but what about ourselves? Selfcompassion means treating ourselves with care and respect when dealing with setbacks, and framing mess-ups as learning — about ourselves, our strengths, and our growth edges! Every experience provides information that helps us improve.
Accessing health care can be intimidating in the best of times (those gowns, though!). The way we approach patients can greatly influence their health outcomes. Here are some tips:
Self-compassion is necessary! People who are self-compassionate have greater emotional well-being, lower rates of anxiety and depression, and healthier relationships.*
Introduce yourself and your pronouns. This helps patients feel comfortable connecting to you, and opens the door for them to state their own pronouns.
Notice how you talk to yourself. Are you critical? Kind? Do you tear yourself down or cheer yourself on through difficult situations? Forgive yourself. We all stumble along the way. It’s okay.
Ask! For consent before touching a patient or performing any procedure, for more information about their lived experience, about anything that will help you better understand their point of view. Asking first keeps us from making assumptions about people's gender, people's partners' genders, what body parts someone has, pronouns, name, beliefs and experiences.
Instead of that, try this!
Remember, you don't have to accept someone's reality as your own in order to show them kindness and respect.
“I’m a failure!” “This is something I did — it’s not who I am. I’ll bet if I get some help I can do better next time!”
When you encounter critical self-talk, try talking to yourself the way you would your loved ones. Having trouble? Ask a friend or advisor for some positive feedback to get you started. It’s tough. Changing patterns of thought and behavior takes practice and encouragement. But we are always different people today than we were yesterday. Adversity helps us grow.
Can’t think of what to say? Start with “Thank you for trusting me.”
the power of words Using person-first language is a simple way to change the conversation around disorders and diseases that may be stigmatized. Language can have a big impact on how we see our patients, which in turn influences how they see themselves.
Instead of that, try this! Addict
Person with a substance use disorder
Schizophrenic
Person with a schizophrenia diagnosis
Victim
Survivor Person who has experienced violence
*health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/the-power-of-self-compassion
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your voice counts! Help make campus safer! Graduate and professional Rams can take the online Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Violence and Bystander Intervention. Randomly selected students have received an email to their VCU accounts. All participants get a chance to win free parking or a $100 Amazon gift card. Email Dr. Abigail Conley at ahconley@vcu.edu for more info. For resources, go to equity.vcu.edu/titleix.
chemo care kits Give back to VCU Children’s Hospital by putting together care kits for children with cancer — and enjoy free food! Visit goo.gl/uC4UtH to register. The event will be held on Thursday, November 15 from 5 - 7 p.m. in Larrick Student Center, Jackson Ward Room. Accessible by VCU Campus Connector, J. Sargeant Reynolds stop. Parking is available for a fee at the 8th Street Parking Deck. For more info and accomodations, email gspb@vcu.edu.
check out the hub! The Hub is a collaborative space available for students on the MCV Campus. Situated on the 2nd floor of Hunton Student Center, The Hub features computer stations, meeting space, and art and office supplies. Our Student Involvement Ambassadors are also available to provide information relevant to registered student organizations. The Hub is open 10 a.m. to 8p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, contact Jenaé Harrington at jdharrington@vcu.edu.