Relief from Distress

Relief from Distress

Relief from suffering is the moral act of respect for humanity and for human dignity. Constant, wracking, and mind-twisting pain in life can be a torture to anyone regardless of what their stature is, age, wealth, social status is. Distress is when nothing works in your favor. There are many causes for distress. Illness, poverty, loneliness, being subject to injustice, social ostracism etc. It is almost impossible to list the various cause that lead to distress. And sure enough there are no prescribed solutions.
When someone suffers it is not often that others see the realities behind his distress. Mostly he is seldom heard and much less understood. There is also the ever present moralists who say that what he suffers is largely of his own making. So even go on to say that helping such a person is not even morally correct and a sin. It is often forgotten that the sufferer can have a break and be on the other side when you hit the road block.
The first thing that someone needs is an understanding ear. It needs someone to hear them, try and see their point of view and help them figure a way out. It will never be an easy thing and there will always be hitches and insurmountable obstructions. And the ever destructive sense of hopelessness and disappointment to contend with. It is thus imperative that on hearing it out you also ask him to give a solution himself to see his line of thought. If in the unlikely case that he has a practical pathway, give him a promise that you will support him as he moves for salvation. It is of utmost importance that you never say that you will take care him as this is likely to give him false hopes.
Encouraging him to take up proactive steps is of great importance and keeping tabs of his progress are vital. Knowing that someone is watching his moves will both encourage him and prevent him from sinking into despair. It will also make sure that he does not seek refuge in runaway attitudes and escapist activities. There can also be a quantum of relief in knowing someone cares.
Ultimately, the escape from any suffering is based on the perseverance and continued support and any let up can offset progress. And it also ought to be remembered that there is always the chance of failure.