By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
At times, we feel no one sees us, and sometimes that’s okay. It’s normal and even healthy to occasionally be in an uncomfortable place. Situations that cause us to think, feel, and analyze help us to grow and change into better people. The reasons are plentiful: left out of a social situation, belittled by family, bullied by others, overlooked in our careers, and the list goes on. But when the feelings of insecurity shove a person into an emotional low, self-esteem takes a critical blow and could lead to depression.
We can help those who are suffering by identifying those factors that contribute to their feelings. Our goal is to support them as they overcome emotional hurdles. But how do we offer assistance that is healthy for all those concerned?
Here are 5 ways we can genuinely reach out to those who feel invisible.
- Friendship – The person needs sympathy and understanding. When we listen, even though we might detect a mental issue, the person realizes someone cares. The person is no longer invisible, because we see him/her.
- Loyalty – A person who feels invisible craves someone who is reliable. Ask yourself if you can be the 24/7 on-call friend.
- Research – We can educate ourselves on the causes and solutions of why the person feels invisible. Once we gain the person’s confidence, we’re able to guide them to healing and suggest counseling if needed.
- Hope – Every person in the world craves hope, the ability to see and expect a better tomorrow. Pray for the victim, not only for healing but for yourself to be an instrument of God’s love.
- Support – Not every person requires professional counseling, but the support of a caring individual encourages the sufferer to see themselves in the light of a better future.
Feeling as though no one knows, cares, or sees us can set the stage for addictive behavior and depression. Can you be that someone to offer compassion?
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DiAnn’s Library Corner
Library Tip: Create a friendship display, pointing patrons to media about how to be a friend and enriching fiction and non-fiction about those special relationships.
Comments 12
Thank you for this beautiful, encouraging post, DiAnn.
Beth, you are very welcome. Be blessed!
In a similar vein I have experienced this and also struggled with depression for years. But God has taught me to be the one sensitive to those who feel invisible – for me it was how I grew up in the shadow of a very drama filled, focused on outward appearance environment. Hard on an introvert! I am now hearing God’s call to write about it and also to be the invited, included, connector & initiater. We all need a place to belong.
Thanks, Renee, what a beautiful reminder of God’s love and provision. I’m so glad you are writing about your experiences. Too many people are afraid to be bold about depression.
The 70’s rock group America wrote a song about lonely people. In fact it was titled Lonely People. Also the Beatles have their lyrics and title about – Lonely People. America version shares about life passing people by and that there is a silver cup to drink from. Beatles ask, where do all the lonely folks come from and where do lonely people belong.
Both are sad but true. I have experienced, thought, believed and felt both versions. Often I have talked and my voice falls on deaf ears, and no one to hear what I am saying. Felt alone in a crowd, felt like I am not seen, much like our friend Casper the friendly ghost.
DiAnn, your points are right on, they hit the nail on the head. Lonely people often feel invisible, invisible people are or may be lonely. Many times folks have been friendly toward me, brought me out of my shell, took the sheet off and let me be seen. They involved me.
Thank you,
Shaloam
David
David, Many creative people face the loneliness of depression. It seems to coincide with seeing the world and people internally and expressing emotions through the written word.
People can feel invisible even when surrounded by friends and family. They can feel overlooked, ignored, or at worst, rejected. I’ve been there, but I’m not there now. God is good. And Loretta is right. We need to discover those people, because they can’t find it within themselves to reach out. Let’s keep a sharp eye out. 🙂
Hi Donna, when we’ve gone through an emotional challenge, I think it’s our responsibility to reach out to others who are experiencing the same invisible syndrome.
I’m one of those Meyers-Briggs INTJs, so feeling alone isn’t a problem. But I’ve never felt more invisible than when I began marketing my books. It was almost like bing H. G. Wells character, Griffin, except I kept my sanity … barely. 🙂
H L, I understand the bewilderment and loneliness of marketing a book. Sorta like walking into a cave and the light goes out.
Great article DiAnn! I’ve felt invisible before, but when I did I recognized my insecurities and forced myself to look for someone else who looked forlorn and befriend them. A newcomer can easily feel invisible at conferences if no one includes them in conversations. Therefore, I look for the loner and purposely engage them in conversation.
Hi Loretta, you are so right. Some of my closest relationships were forged in women feeling invisible at conferences.