# the pain of others I get [[overwhelmed]] sometimes when I hear about the difficulty others are experiencing. Example - friend is going through something difficult like a poor mental health, work difficulties, partner difficulties, etc. It happens for strangers too. Remember, other people don't need you to suffer for them. If you feel like you are suffering, consider your perspective. Understand what you are feeling need not be unpleasant, it could be a reminder of love for others. Wish them well, consider [[metta meditation]], and [[turn towards]] it and them. It may also come from [[fear]] that I might need to deal with something like that in the future. It may come from a sense of [[helplessness]], knowing I can do very little to help them and having a pessimistic view of the odds of them dealing with it.