Much has been discussed and disclosed about physical safety. But if we are to come out of this global health crisis whole and well, we must discuss the concept of psychological safety.
Psychological safety is the feeling of being heard, understood, and supported. If this concept is foreign to you, allow me to share some reflection questions.
- When you are not okay and you tell your loved ones about it, how do they react?
- Do they minimize your feelings by letting you that so many people have survived what your are experiencing and thus you will be fine?
- Do they take the time to acknowledge what you feel by assuring you that they know what you’re going through is tough?
The way we respond to the people around us and how they respond to our needs may indicate our level of psychological safety. How then do we establish this in our own family?
Psychological safety is giving the persons in our family unconditional acceptance and respect for what they are feeling and going through. It’s like saying, “I know you’re going through a tough time. I am also having difficulty as well. But I will do my best to understand what you’re experiencing by listening to you.”
When we practice psychological safety in our homes, we don’t diminish other people’s feelings. We allow them to just be.
Here are some factors which can help create a psychologically safe culture in our homes:
- Look for people you feel psychologically safe in: It’s as simple as withholding comments and judgment when other people are entrusting us with their innermost feelings and thoughts. It’s allowing others to air out whatever they need to. It’s being a person that other people can feel safe with. Let us strive to become someone who can be trusted. In the same way, I hope you also find people who you feel safe enough to open up to. A psychologically safe place creates a space for vulnerability.
- Create a safety culture at home: Begin by fostering trust in relationships. Having trust in relationships can also help build transparency. We cannot be safe if there are so many secrets. Keeping secrets as a solution is often unhealthy. When there is transparency, there is peace in knowing that loved ones will not withhold important information.
- Create connections: Avoiding discussions can be an issue in itself. Conversations are wonderful because it allows us to connect and get to know our loved ones. It’s a great thing when we know and understand the inner workings of our loved ones. We don’t have to guess or walk on eggshells. Connections foster a relationship that goes beyond the surface level.
When psychological safety is in place, the culture of physical safety is easier to secure and practice. Psychological safety starts with effort. When we learn how to build psychological safety in our families, it would be easier for us to support our sanity. – WITH PAU DE VERA
Photo by guille pozzi on Unsplash