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Words can wound, sometimes more than fists
๐Ÿ‡ป๐Ÿ‡ณ Vietnam /Culture & Society

Words can wound, sometimes more than fists

From Tuแป•i Trแบป · () Vietnamese

Translated from Vietnamese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Words can cause harm, sometimes more than fists, as illustrated by a doctor's communication error with a patient's mother.
  • The author learned the power of language through personal experiences, including a friend's distress after insensitive remarks.
  • Mindful communication is crucial in all relationships, especially in healthcare, to avoid causing unintentional pain.

Words possess a potent force, capable of both healing and inflicting deep wounds, a realization the author gained through personal and professional experiences. Initially not adept at writing or speaking, the author often inadvertently caused hurt. This changed with the understanding that skillful use of language is a valuable life skill.

Words can hurt people - Illustration: NGUYแป„N NGแปŒC THUแบฆN

โ€” AuthorIntroduction to the article's theme.

The author recounts a critical error during medical residency. While explaining a neuroblastoma diagnosis to a mother, the focus was on medical treatments, neglecting the emotional devastation the mother was experiencing. The stark realization came when the mother asked how long her child had left, highlighting a disconnect between medical jargon and human empathy. This incident underscored the importance of observing and understanding the emotional state of others.

Words can lighten pain, and can also cause harm.

โ€” AuthorReflecting on the dual nature of language.

Another anecdote involves a conversation with a friend overwhelmed by studies. The author and peers, instead of offering support, boasted about their own academic struggles, further isolating their friend. The friend later confided that the author's simple question, "Are you okay?" made a significant difference. This experience cemented the author's belief in the profound impact of carefully chosen words, sometimes more so than lengthy messages.

The person with good language skills is a type of ability and I really admire people who know how to use words appropriately, name emotions and stories correctlyโ€ฆ And importantly, they know how to use words to calm hot heads, lighten others' pain.

โ€” AuthorExpressing admiration for skillful communicators.

The article also touches upon intrusive questions common in social interactions, such as inquiries about marital status, salary, or appearance, which can cause distress. The author emphasizes a commitment to careful and considerate communication with colleagues, patients' families, and even children, recognizing that verbal insensitivity can be a form of violence. In an era of information overload, the author advocates for mindful language use, acknowledging that words, like fists, can inflict damage if not wielded with care and empathy.

What the mother cared about was possibly losing her beloved child forever, while I, the doctor, kept talking about medicine.

โ€” AuthorRealizing the disconnect during a patient's diagnosis.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tuแป•i Trแบป in Vietnamese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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