For more than 20 years, I worked as a nursing assistant in psychiatry. I saw the distress, the torments, the troubles caused by mental illness.

It took me a lot of listening to understand the suffering of the patients. Only then could I truly turn my attention to these suffering human beings with love and compassion. Judgment quickly disappeared when I saw the extent of the devastation that mental illness can wreak in their lives.

On the other hand, I perceived that good listening habits could do wonders because it brings relief from the negative thoughts that poison their existence.

We all need to be listened to for our mental balance, to strengthen our self-esteem; it is essential in order to function well in society.

I can say, as a caregiver, that selfless listening often replaces medication because it relieves the heart and soul and, thus, brings peace. Hence the importance of developing listening skills with anyone who confides in us freely; this attitude can help with fulfillment and the search for happiness.

Good listening is a God-blessed “heart to heart” that engenders deep joy.

France Robitaille, Volunteer of God from Canada Retired nurse
Excerpt from Sparks of Life magazine, August-November 2023, vol. 18, no. 2