The Same Same But Different

The Same Same But Different Theory –

It’s important to remember that we are all different. Being different is what makes us unique, giving us each our own personal identity.

As individuals we have our own way of seeing and dealing with life, it’s important to understand that the world is seen differently through other people’s eyes, especially when it comes to mental health.
It’s common when witnessing a friend, family member or colleague suffering from a mental health condition that we are confused by the cause or trigger. We find it hard to understand- “What do they have to be depressed about? Surely not, they have a great life?”

The way we all hear, see and process information, events and challenges are different. Take this scenario for instance you may have two friends with the same social, moral & ethical values however the way in which each of them process a situation may be completely different. One may think the situation is trivial were the other may find it completely overwhelming. I call this “The Same Same But Different Theory”.

Understanding these differences is key to helping us identify and demonstrate EMPATHY to the people in our lives that maybe struggling with a mental health condition.