## Feeling too deeply about things out of our control can be self-destructive
![image.png](https://gateway.ipfs.io/ipfs/QmXFfS3KcgwDxsgUZHY3SVk4jBWmRkTTHYCQP1KxLWA2ob)
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The bleeding heart is one that is rooted in compassion, empathy, and an innate desire to confront the misery and suffering of the world. But it also comes with a price: taking on too much collective suffering can be detrimental to our own mental health.

As someone who spent a few years working in the mental health field, I am all too familiar with the amount of human suffering that exists in our world. The stories I heard about the hardships a person had experienced was sometimes overwhelming. 

The amount of pain a human being can inflict upon itself and others is staggeringly tragic. We are really good at mistreating one another, and it's an unfortunate but persistent component that our species has yet to move past.

## Rational detachment is a necessary component of self-preservation
![image.png](https://gateway.ipfs.io/ipfs/QmYStPN7LpwxViLcFkYQG6SoWcWGmA56mVimdtFJvQVT5X)

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I'm someone who values truth and honesty. I believe facing uncomfortable realities is essential to overcoming problems on both a personal and collective level. But I also know that a single person can only handle so much and that carrying the weight of the world can ultimately crush a person's soul if they aren't careful.

It's incredibly easy to be overwhelmed with the multitude of problems that exist in modern life. I would argue that the age of the internet has made it easier to burden one's self with unnecessary amounts of information, especially the kind that can completely depress you.

On a personal level, it's also easy to become susceptible to the misery of others in our lives. Often, we take on the pain of others because we care deeply about them. We want them to get well and are willing to do whatever it takes to help them along their way. As a result, our feelings can become tied to an outcome that is out of our control.

## Rational detachment is the answer
![image.png](https://gateway.ipfs.io/ipfs/QmYGU3h9SrKr4tcZrh7a253oimAueS7DyjEy81ZyAcULxs)

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This process isn't easy or simple and requires a bit of skill to maneuver emotional terrain without becoming a cold-hearted person, but rationally detaching from the misery of others is possible and desirable to some extent. As long as the detachment doesn't fully remove us from the reality of the situation, this strategy can be a healthy method to overcome intense amounts of stress.

Of course, there are situations where one must not detach themselves and face a particular situation head-on. Rationally detaching from an active and violent abuse situation is not a healthy response.

But in regards to situations that are far outside of our own control, a degree of rational detachment is a healthy response. This is especially true of people who are close to us. We can see them making decisions that are detrimental, and we can warn them repeatedly of the dangers of such behaviors, but they are the ones who have to deal with the ramifications of their actions.

When we become too enmeshed in another's drama, we are vulnerable to be let down, to be hurt, to feel intense and undesirable emotions. It is important to speak your mind and say your piece, but leave the rest up to that person, no matter what the outcome may be.

Don't ever fully detach from the world or those you care about. But sometimes, you need to separate your emotions from the outcome in order to live a balanced existence. Detachment isn't always ideal, but sometimes it *is* rational.
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*All uncredited pictures from pixabay.com or my personal account*
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