Our Human Chain

Perhaps you’ve read about the recent uplifting story of a family who became caught in a riptide in Panama City, Florida. Two brothers were struggling approximately 300 feet from shore, and when their mother, grandmother, and others swam out to try to save them, they got caught up in the swirling water as well. After searching for helpful items such as rope, which was nowhere to be found, some bystanders came up with the idea to create a human chain so they could reach the drowning people. Quickly, 80 people became entwined and, along with a swimmer who used a boogie board and a surfboard to aid those rescued, brought everyone to shore. The grandmother suffered a heart attack while in the water, and at this writing is still hospitalized. Everyone else survived physically unscathed. The consensus is, without the human chain, those caught in the riptide would have died. Wow. What a story. After I wiped away my tears, I couldn’t help thinking of what a metaphor this event was for what we all need and how we should live our lives. We need each other. There’s no two ways about it. I have been a mental health advocate and writer for almost ten years now, and so much of what I’ve researched and learned points to the same conclusion — loneliness, isolation, and a general feeling of not belonging can lead to depression and other illnesses. Those who suffer from brain disorders but feel loved, supported, and connected to others, are more likely to fare better in regards t...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Friends General Happiness Inspiration & Hope Motivation and Inspiration Personal chronic shame Compassion Empathy human chain humanity Loneliness Source Type: blogs